Flight Lieutenant Amit Sharma (26715) Flying (Pilot) was on the posted strength of a Cheetah Helicopter Unit at Air Force Station Leh since 17 Jul 06.

On 11 Apr 07, Flt Lt Sharma was detailed for an air logistics support sortie to Amar helipad located on the Siachen Glacier, as the co­pilot in the No.l of a two aircraft formation. The Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield in the world. Flying over this vast frozen ice mass entails flying in the extremes of climatic conditions over exceedingly inhospitable terrain. The margin for error in this environment, while flying the single engine Cheetah aircraft, is practically nonexistent. Amar post has the highest helipad in the world with density altitude exceeding twenty thousand feet and is located on the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL). The sortie was uneventful till final approach. On short finals, an overshoot had to be initiated as tail winds were encountered. The helicopter experienced a sudden loss of power and height after crossing the helipad. The engine jet pipe temperature (JPT) also shot up. In spite of the best efforts of the pilots, the aircraft crashed about 300 meters ahead of Amar helipad, in direct line of sight of the Pakistani post.

Flt Lt Sharma maintained his cool in this unusual emergency and handled the situation in a competent manner displaying a high degree of professionalism. He kept a close check on the engine parameters and assisted the captain in attempting to recover the aircraft. He also cautioned the captain about the unusually high JPT. Unfortunately, the JPT failed to respond to the emergency actions by the pilots and the aircraft continued to lose height. The pilots therefore took the highly courageous decision of attempting to force land across the AGPL. However due to the absence of a suitable force landing field in the harsh, snow bound and sloping terrain, the helicopter crashed, giving no chance of survival to the crew. Flt Lt Sharma, a true air warrior, made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country, displaying exceptional courage beyond the call of duty in the best traditions of the IAF.

For this act of exceptional courage, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Flight Lieutenant Amit Sharma (Posthumously).