Squadron Leader Vijay Kumar Mohotra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1964. He has a total of 3010 hours of accident free flying to his credit of which 2218 are on helicopters. Since December, 1975, he has been commanding a Helicopter Unit. On 23rd May, 1976, Squadron Leader Mohotra undertook the evacuation of a seriously injured mountaineer from the Trishul Base Camp located at a height of 15,300 feet. The helipad constructed there by the team of mountaineers was totally unsuitable for the safe landing of helicopter. Realising the urgency of the mission, Squadron Leader Mohotra carried out a detailed reconnaissance of the area and expertly decided that a landing could be carried out if one of the camp tents was removed and the area made available for the landing. This was indicated to the mountaineers and the tent was removed. Thereafter, Squadron Leader Mohotra landed his helicopter safely and carried out the assigned task.

On 26th May, 1976, after having completed a long and arduous sortie, Squadron Leader Mohotra was once again called upon to carry out the evacuation of seriously injured civilians from a remote area in the close vicinity of the Northern Border. He set off immediately with two other helicopters to a helipad nearest to where the casualties were. In the meantime, as immediate medical assistance was indicated and helicopter rescue facilities were not expected, the casualties were being moved by stretcher-bearers along a difficult and narrow mountain path. Realising the urgency to evacuate the casualties to bet ter equipped hospital, Squadron Lender Mohotra immediately set about organize rescue operations of injured on the move. He landed his helicopter in turbulent and gusty weather conditions in a boulder strewn tiny river bed. His outstanding performance in this operation inspired his formation pilots.

Throughout Squadron Leader Vijay Kumar Mohotra displayed courage, flying skill and devotion to duty of a high order.