Wing Commander Vijay Kumar was a detachment Commander of four Mi-17 helicopter element in Sri Lanka since 15 Jun 1989.

On the night of 15/16 Jul 89, within minutes of the receipt of a message that an IPKF convoy had been ambushed by LTTE militants causing heavy casualties, Wg Cdr Vijay Kumar took off for the rescue mission. He undertook the hazardous task of executing a night landing at a helipad with totally inadequate night landing facility and that too in an area infested with LTTE militants. By his exceptional professional skill, Wg Cdr Vijay Kumar executed a safe night landing surrounded by tall trees and power lines and lit only by the head beam of a solitary vehicle. Under his leadership, the detachment executed each and every mission with full success, maximum safety and clock work precision. The detachment also continued to maintain an envious record of one hundred percent serviceability.

For his devotion to duty and exceptional professionalism, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva medal to Wg Cdr Vijay Kumar.