Group Captain Shyamal Kumar Banerjee was commissioned as a pilot in the flying branch on 04 June 1967. He has held the appointment of Flight Commander at Elementary Flying School Bidar, the Chief Flying Instructor at Transport Training Wing Yelahanka and Deputy Director Air Staff Inspection at Air Headquarters. As an experienced Qualified Flying Instructor he assumed the command of an AN-32 Squadron on 29 Jun 92, three months after a fatal Cat I accident in which both the Flight Commander and Navigation leader were killed.

The Squadron aircrew categorization state and the operational clearance state for different roles were low. With his untiring efforts, unflinching determination and perseverance, he tackled this task in an exemplary manner. Under his close supervision, 25 pilots, 13 navigators and 09 Flight Engineers upgraded their aircrew category/Instrument rating. Also 10 pilots and 08 navigators achieved fully operational status. In addition, three Qualified Flying Instructors were cleared for the instructional duties in air maintenance role and two pilots were trained to perform the duties of Right Hand Seat Check Pilot. The aircraft serviceability state of the Squadron improved. The average night flying effort of the Squadron and the average tonnage per hour for air maintenance sorties also increased.

Group Captain SK Banerjee has to his credit 7600 hours of accident free flying. Under his leadership the Squadron has been adjudged the Best Transport and Helicopter Squadron of EAC for two consecutive years 1992-93 and 1993-94. For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Shyamal Kumar Banerjee.

Group Captain Sudhir Asthana was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. He is a qualified flying instructor with an A-2 Category and was deputed to Govt. of Iraq in 1980 for instructional duties. He is a fighter combat leader of repute and has commanded a MiG-21 Squadron. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has done a successful tenure in Directorate of Personnel (Officers) at Air HQ. Gp Capt Asthana has to his credit over 3200 hours of accident free flying.Gp Capt Sudhir Asthana took over as Chief Operation Officer of a major flying Wing in January 1993. The Wing has six flying units - all equipped with different types of aircraft and two Missile squadrons, each of them also with different equipment. Coordinating their activities, monitoring their training and planning and executing their integrated flying training is an enormous task. Inspite of limited resources, he ensured near perfect environment for flying which was conducive to good operational training. This was amply proven when Directorate of Air Staff Inspection inspected the Station where the standard of preparedness of Base Air Defence and Air Traffic Control were assessed as Above Average.

The base which is co-located with Command Headquarters has a large number of dignitaries and teams visiting the Station. Flying displays have to be organised at a very short notice involving participation of large number of aircraft of different types, missiles and radar units which require minute and fool proof co-ordination. He planned and coordinated these displays in such a fashion that highlighted the professional standard of IAF. His contribution in the field of flight safety have also been significant and has resulted in major reduction in number of accidents and incidents at the Station.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Sudhir Asthana.

Group Captain VS Govindarajan was commissioned on 20 December 1969 in the flying branch of IAF. He has been a Flight Commander, Chief Flying Instructor and Senior Flying Training Officer in the Training Command. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Gp Capt VS Govindarajan was appointed the Commanding Officer of Paratroopers' Training School (PTS) on 08 December 1992. He was tasked to conduct trials and evolve a procedure for day formation by AN-32 aircraft (ac). He carried out trials within a short period of one month and also trained the supervisors of other units so that the first new formation para drop exercise by day could be carried out in April 1993 at a high altitude dropping zone in Northern Sector.

In June 1993 he was tasked to conduct trials for night close formation on AN-32 ac. Within one month he succeeded in evolving a detailed procedure and ensured requisite modification of the aircraft. In July 1993 he successfully flew as section of six aircraft in a new night formation profile.

In Feb 94 he was appointed type force commander for conducting a large scale Army airborne assault exercise by night. The safe and successful conduct of the exercise was due to the highest leadership qualities displayed by Gp Capt VS Govindarajan.

Under Gp Capt VS Govindarajan's leadership, the Akash Ganga skydiving team of PTS won the National Sky Diving Championship Trophy in 1993. The first ever Indian Combat Freefall Course was conducted in 1994. Para Jumping Instructors of PTS achieved a record freefall from 28,500 feet for the first time.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Vrithamani Srinivasaaiyangar Govindarajan.

Group Captain Gurcharan Singh Bhogal was commissioned in the IAF on 19 December 1970. He has over 1300 hrs of accident free flying to his credit. He is also an A-2 flying instructor with over 1000 hrs of instructional flying, and has been an Air Force Examiner. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College he has served as Directing Staff at this prestigious Institution.

Gp Capt Bhogal was posted to the Air Force Academy (AFA) as Chief Instructor (Flying) in March 1993, where he has been responsible for the supervision and conduct of all flying training at the Academy. This task is extremely challenging as it involves conduct of flying and ground training in six different syllabi. This enormous task involves close and direct supervision to ensure the highest quality of flying training amounting to 18,000 hours per year, which is the maximum flown at any IAF Station. In addition Gp Capt Bhogal has personally supervised training and standardisation of a large number of flying instructors.

Induction of women trainees into the flying branch resulted in increased quantum of flying at AFA. Gp Capt Bhogal was asked to introduce simultaneous mixed flying of Kiran and HPT32 aircraft in order to increase availability of ac and achieve optimum utilisation of manpower and ac resources. Gp Capt Bhogal worked ceaselessly to revise orders and procedures with great care and deliberation to ensure that mixed flying is carried out in a very safe environment. The Academy was awarded the Best Flying Training Establishment and the best Flight Safety Trophies of Training Command for the year 1993.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Gurcharan Singh Bhogal.

Group Captain Shiv Kumar Bhan was commissioned in the IAF in the fighter stream on 19 December 1970 and has over 2750 hrs of flying to his credit. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and has successfully undergone Higher Air Command Course. He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, has been on the staff of Tactics and Combat Development Establishment and Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and has also served as Flying Instructor in Iraq.

He was posted to Air Force Station, Srinagar as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) on 12 Apr 93. As COO, the Officer involved himself in an exemplary manner to resolve numerous problems of air operations of multiplicity of aircraft roles in demanding times in the Valley. Toshe Maidan Air to Ground Range, which had remained closed for the last five years, was re-activated within a record time. The officer brought the operational status of the Station to a high standard in a short time.

During an Air Defence exercise conducted in the valley in July 1993, the officer exercised direct control of operations at Srinagar and Awantipur. Besides being the Base Air Defence Officer for both the bases, he controlled the entire operations in a safe and realistic manner. It was only due to his vision and correct analysis of likely threats that he could bring in realism in the exercise thus enhancing the potential of all operational elements involved. Similarly, during heavy snowfall in February 1994, he worked vigorously to clear the entire runway and aircraft operating area. This resulted in resumption of commercial flights within two days and by fighters within four days. The officer was instrumental in meticulous planning, excellent coordination and precise execution of Special Heliborne Operations in connection with 'Amarnath Yatra' in August 1994 which was highly appreciated by J&K State Govt.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Shiv Kumar Bhan.

Group Captain Pradeep Kumar Mulay was the Commanding Officer of a helicopter Squadron (Sqn) from February 1992 to October, 1993.

During his tenure as CO the Sqn performed exceptionally well in all the fields. The Sqn maintained high aircraft serviceability with a clean flight safety record.

Gp Capt Mulay motivated the personnel of his Sqn by working effectively and efficiently. The Sqn performed very well when inspected by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection in Feb 93 by obtaining an assessment of Average Plus. Further, the Sqn achieved the distinction of winning the trophy of front gun team event in Command Gunnery Meet, 1992-93 in helicopter stream.

The Sqn carried out each and every task assigned and performed well. Forward Area Re-arming Refuelling Point trials were carried out in area of operations of an Army Corps successfully under his able guidance and professional knowledge. It was under his able Command that the Attack Helicopters carried out air to ground firing in Mahajan Range for the first time. Sqn added one more feather to its cap in Oct 93, when it was judged as the best helicopter unit in Western Air Command.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Pradeep Kumar Mulay.

Wing Commander JS Panesar was commissioned as a pilot in the fighter stream in Jun 1973. He was one of the few officers who were selected to go to France to convert on to Mirage 2000 aircraft. He is a Fighter Combat Leader, a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and an expert on electronic warfare in which he has made significant contributions. He has over 3200 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

Wg Cdr Panesar has successfully completed two years in Command of a MiG-21 Bis Squadron. The Sqn operated safely and efficiently on detachment from Naliya when the parent Base was closed for seven months for runway resurfacing. This was possible due to Wg Cdr Panesar's ability to motivate the aircrew and technical staff and to mould them into an effective team. The Sqn was able to improve aircraft serviceability during his tenure.

Wg Cdr Panesar has also been a Fighter Combat Leader for the last 11 years. He took keen interest and played an active role in the training of young pilots and for inculcating in them the finer ingredients of combat flying. With ceaseless efforts and with his exemplary leadership, he brought about significant elevation of the operational (Op) capabilities of the Sqn by upgrading the Op status of many pilots. His Sqn won the team bombing trophy in the Inter Squadron Weapons Meet 1993. For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wg Cdr Jasbir Singh Panesar.

Wing Commander Selvaraj Raj was commissioned as a pilot in the fighter stream on 09 February 1974. He has held the appointment of Flight Commander of MiG-21 Squadron (Sqn) and was specially selected to go to the then USSR. On return he successfully held the appointment of Flight Commander of MiG29 Sqn. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. His last flying appointment was that of Air Force Examiner with Aircrew Examining Board. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor.

He was detailed for Pechora Missile Course, in which he was assessed as 'Exceptional'. He took over the command of a Pechora squadron on 31 March 1992.

His achievements, individually and that of the Squadron, established his professionalism and leadership qualities. He was specially selected as Directing Staff for a missile upgradation course at Tactics & Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). He enhanced the unit's operational capability by relocating combat flights at better sites. He put up a detailed paper projecting certain weaknesses in Air Defence for which action has been taken at the highest level.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wg Cdr Selvaraj Raj.

Wing Commander Mohinder Pal Singh Gill was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 22 December 1973. A Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader, he commanded a MiG-23 BN Squadron (Sqn) from Oct 92 to Sep 93. He is also an alumni of Defence Services Staff College. Wg Cdr MPS Gill took over command of Sqn after the tragic loss of previous Squadron Commander in a fatal flying accident. The morale of the Sqn was low. However, Wg Cdr MPS Gill, with great perseverance and skill rejuvenated the squadron. After taking over he paid special emphasis on raising the operational standard of the Sqn. Due to his efforts the Sqn enjoyed a very high operational status. Under his able guidance the squadron prepared for an exercise wherein the performance of Sqn came up for praise from every quarter including the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command who flew with the Sqn. During the Command Gunnery Meet 92-93, the squadron did extremely well overall, particularly in bombing and won the overall championship for the year. During Air Staff Inspection in March 1993 the Sqn was assessed as 'Average Plus' in flying and 'Above Average' in ground subjects. The Sqn was declared the best fighter Sqn in Western Air Command for the year 1992-93. These achievements were possible due to Wg Cdr Gill's exemplary leadership, professional competence, and organisational ability. During his tenure the aircraft serviceability was also sustained 75% despite many restraints faced due to the shortfall in aeroengines and other spares.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wg Cdr Mohinder Pal Singh Gill.

Wing Commander Arup Raha was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 14 December 1974. He has served as an instructor at both Flying Instructors School and at Tactics and Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). He is currently an Examiner for awarding instrument rating on MiG-29 aircraft. Trained in Russia, he has contributed immensely towards operational utilisation of the MiG-29 aircraft. He is also a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Wg Cdr A Raha was appointed the Commanding Officer of a MiG-29 Squadron (Sqn) in June 1992. On taking over Command, he faced the problem of poor operational status of aircrew and lack of supervisory pilots, compounded by reduced flying effort due to lack of spares. With thorough planning and sustained effort, within a period of one year his squadron achieved fully operational status for all aircrew. The Sqn currently boasts of 10 supervisors and 10 Trainer Captains with 100 percent instrument rated status which is an exceptional achievement.

Wg Cdr A Raha ensured a very high serviceability state of aircraft despite the nonavailability of critical spares from Russia. The officer's exceptional professional competence has helped in evolving sound operational tactics for the MiG-29 aircraft in Air Defence role. The current tactics for the aircraft in intercept role were formulated by him. He has flown more than 700 h/1250 sorties on MiG-29 aircraft, possibly the highest in the IAF. He has to his credit 3300 hrs of accident free flying.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wg Cdr Arup Raha.

Wing Commander Pramod Kumar Roy was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in the Flying Branch on 11 July 1975. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has held the appointments of Flight Commander at Mi25 and Mi-35 Helicopter Squadrons. He has also been co-opted at tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) for conducting Helicopter Combat Orientation Course and Attack Helicopter Course. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Wg Cdr PK Roy has been commanding a Mi-8 Helicopter Unit since 10 October 1992. He is an 'A' Master Green Pilot and has also been appointed as Command Examiner on Mi-8 Helicopter. He has flown over 4200 hours on all the Helicopter types in the IAF.

During his tenure, the unit was declared the best helicopter/transport unit of command for the year 1993. The unit also bagged the Gunnery Meet trophy for Rocket firing team. Air Staff Inspection Team on their inspection visit in April 1994, assessed the unit as 'Average Plus' in all spheres of activity. He carried out four night exercises with Army as the Type Force Commander. In addition, as the VVIP/VIP helicopter flight of command, the unit has flown dignitaries like the President of India, Chiefs of Army Staff of Bangladesh and Thailand, etc. The crowning achievement of the unit during Wg Cdr PK Roy's tenure has been completion of over 11,000 hours of accident free flying.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wg Cdr Pramod Kumar Roy.

Sqn Ldr Sanjay Dattatraya Patki has been posted to Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) Agra, as a Free Fall qualified parachute Jump Instructor since 29 Jul. 91.

He has been actively involved with development projects on personnel and aircrew parachutes and related safety equipment. He has undertaken live jump testing of indigenous Parachute Automatic Opening Device. He did first live jump trial with (PTA-M) parachute Tactical Assault Main on 28 April 92, which has been developed by ADRDE as a low level parachute for induction in Army. Thereafter, he progressed technical and user trials with PTA-M involving low level jumps at 600 ft and jumps at high altitude. On 14 Aug 93, he did first live jump trial with indigenous Ram Air (9 Cell) Free Fall Parachute. He has to his credit a total of 448 parachute descents inclusive of 311 Free Fall Jumps.

ADRDE has developed Seat MK-10 Aircrew Emergency Parachute for HPT-32 aircraft. Airworthiness authorities suggested that live jump trial be undertaken with Seat MK-10 parachute before final approval. Due to small size of parachute (24 ft Dia), high rate of decent and unusual position (being seattype), carrying out free fall jump with Seat MK-10 parachute was a high risk mission. Sqn Ldr SD Patki volunteered to undertake this challenging task.

On 21 September 1993, he successfully carried out the first ever live jump trial with Seat MK-10 aircrew emergency parachute. This trial was the first of its kind in the country. This live jump by Sqn Ldr SD Patki would boost the confidence amongst future users.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Sqn Ldr Sanjay Dattatraya Patki.

Master Warrant Officer Shunmugam Ayyanar, Flight Engineer was enrolled as an engine technician on 25 June 1962. He converted as Flight Engineer in January 1973 and since then he has been working as a flight engineer in various helicopter units and Air HQ Communication Squadron.

Master Warrant officer Ayyanar is one of the most experienced Flight Engineer on Mi-8 helicopter with 7800 flying hours to his credit. He has been holding aircrew category 'A' since 1987. He has experience of flying missions like air maintenance, special heliborne operations, casualty evacuation, flood relief, air lift of VVIPs etc. in entire length and width of country. His impressive incident free flying record includes over 1800 hours in air maintenance, more than 600 hours for flood relief and casualty evacuation and over 1700 hours in helilift of VIPs. During 'OP PAWAN' as the senior most flight engineer, he carried out his job in an extremely exemplary manner. He flew more than 300 sorties during 'OP PAWAN', many of them under fierce firing from LTTE gunmen.

For, exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Master Warrant Officer Shunmugam Ayyanar.

695654 Sergeant Jatindra Nath Pradhan, Flight Gunner is on the posted strength of a Mi-8 Helicopter Unit of Indian Air Force since 14 Dec 93.

On 22 Jul 94, Sgt Pradhan was detailed as the second Flight Gunner for rescuing the occupants of a truck that had been stranded in the middle of Kalisindh River which was in spate.

One of the two occupants of the truck had earlier been washed away in the turbulent, surging flood waters. The ill-fated truck lay almost submerged some 75 m from the nearest bank with the water level just below the roof. The cascading waters were shaking the truck violently, making for a very precarious unstable perch. The truck was just 10 feet way from a cataract where the foaming and swirling water was threatening to wash it away any moment.

Despite the frightening circumstances, Sgt Pradhan descended via the winch to the top of the truck to rescue the sole survivor. He did so knowing that he would have to wait on the truck in its perilous position, till the winch was lowered a second time. Having secured the helpless survivor Sgt Pradhan awaited his turn with great fortitude knowing fully well that at any moment he himself could be washed away. Thus, in keeping with the best traditions of the Air Force, Sgt Pradhan risked his own life to save another.

For exceptional courage, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Sergeant JN Pradhan.