Details : | Flight Lieutenant Yogindra Singh Tomar (28497) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a MI-8 Helicopter Unit with effect from 26 Dec 2006. On 14 Nov 2008, he was the Co-Pilot in the helicopter for picking up three Border Security Force (BSF) casualties, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)and election commission officials. Despite reports of anti-national activities in the area, he greatly contributed in the planning and execution of a successful landing at the helipad. After picking up the personnel and equipment, during take-off, the helicopter came under heavy small arms and light machine gun fire. Even after the Flight Engineer, Sergeant Mustafa Ali was fatally injured and the helicopter sustaining heavy damage to main rotor blades, fuel tank and tail boom, he displayed courage and composure under fire. The loss of the Flight Engineer other than being an important personal loss is a great setback in flying the helicopter even in normal circumstances. With the helicopter badly damaged, the loss of the Flight Engineer is accentuated as it is he, who monitors the health of the helicopter and operates levers and switches not directly related to flying. Normally the Co-Pilot is given the responsibility of navigation. Fit Lt Tomar displayed courage and composure in overcoming grief and shock and assisted the Captain in safely flying the helicopter by taking on the added duties of the Flight Engineer and simultaneously carrying out accurate navigation by dusk and night to get the aircraft back to safety at Jagdalpur. This act of courage and valour has been valuable in saving fifteen other lives in the helicopter, the helicopter and the EVMs, which are government property and obviating adverse propaganda material for the anti-national element's cause. A sincere, hardworking and courageous Pilot of the unit, he has 622 hrs of flying to his credit. Fit Lt YS Tomar was the Co Pilot of the helicopter which successfully carried out the election duties at Chhatisgarh from 08 Nov 08. For his courage under fire from anti national elements and composure under adverse situation, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Flight Lieutenant Yogindra Singh Tomar. |