Wing Commander Rajesh Kumar (16770) F (P) is the Commanding Officer on a Mirage-2000 Sqn since 26 Mar 2001. he was commissioned on 04 Jun 1982 and has over 3500 hrs of accident free flying including 1000 hrs on the Mirage2000. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor who has been on staff of Flying Instructors School as well as Aircrew Examining Board.

During 'Ops Parakaram' on 02 Aug 2002, the Sqn under Wg Cdr Rajesh Kumar was tasked with destroying enemy position on the Line of Control. Intelligence had reported infiltration of enemy troops across the LOC taking up positions overlooking own ground forces. There was very limited time available for planning and real time intelligence was lacking. The target was located at high altitude very close to our own troops and was defended by enemy Surface to Air Missiles. A very precise attack was needed to prevent fratricide. When the mission was flown the target area was partially obscured due to clouds and smoke from enemy fire.

Despite the constraints of time, intelligence, difficult terrain and target being partially obscured Wg Cdr Rajesh Kumar successfully led and executed the attack on the LOC. He acquired the target and effectively carried out a LGB attack, while under enemy fire, destroying the enemy bunkers on the LOC. Accurate weapon delivery by him also greatly assisted the other members in formation to acquire the target. Success of the mission facilitated recapture of territory by own ground forces without any friendly casualties. His attack also demonstrated to the enemy the capability of the IAF and will act as a deterrent against any such intrusion in the future.

For exceptional courage under fire and leadership shown, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Wing Commander Rajesh Kumar.

Wing Commander Raghunath Nambiar (16378) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 11 June 1981 and is presently held on the posted strength of ASTE, AF wef 24 Dec 2001. Prior to this, he was on deputation to NFTC, ADA from 23 Aug 1999 to 24 Dec 2001 as a Test Pilot. He participated in "Ops Vijay" and was awarded VM (G) for exceptional bravery, skill and courage.

He was standby pilot to undertake the first flight of the Light Combat Aircraft Technology Demonstrater-1 (LCA TD1). He carried out a number of engine ground runs, low and high speed taxi runs as preparation to fly the prototype. He along with the main pilot completed extensive simulator flying on the Real Time Simulator (RTS) and evaluated the control laws of the Quadruplex Digital Fly-by-Wire system. He followed this phase with in-depth evaluation of the redundancy management algorithms and avionics interface at the hardware­in­loop simulation facility known as the "Iron Bird". By the time the pilot in loop simulation ended on the Iron Bird Wg Cdr Nambiar and his teammates had uncovered 11 software deficiencies. These were rectified and fly-by-wire system was cleared for flight. He flew six flights on LCA TD1 from flight Nos. 6-12. Prior to the engine ground run phase Wg Cdr Nambiar played a leading role in the evolution and evaluation of the cockpit warning philosophy. Man machine interface aspects received the benefit of his vast flying experience on the Mirage 2000.

He flew the chase Mirage 2000 for the first six flights of LCA TD1. His presence in chase aircraft considerably boosted the confidence of the test pilot flying the LCA and enhanced flight safety.

From the fourth prototype onwards a new avionics standard cockpit is planned to be flown. Wg Cdr Nambiar has contributed in large measure to the evolution of this avionics standard. Cockpit Display symbologies, Up Front Control Panel (UFCP) for the HUD and ergonomics were the areas in which he worked assiduously for two years.

For this remarkable dedication, sincerity and enormous professional contribution to the crucial early phase of the flight test programme of the LCA, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Bar to Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Raghunath Nambiar, VM.

Air Commodore Madhusudan Banerjee VSM (13400) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 02 June 1973. He has held several important command and staff appointments that include Directing Staff at TACDE, command of a MiG-27 fighter squadron and command of an ADDC. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, a graduate of DSSC and an electronic warfare expert. He was awarded VSM in 1999 for distinguished service. Air Cmde Banerjee has been the Station Commander of a front line flying Station since 26 Dec 2000. In this period, the officer has exhibited top leadership qualities, and with personal motivation and dedication he has ensured a very high state of operational preparedness of the Station. Serviceability state of the aircraft and other technical assets of the Station has perpetually remained high. A striking feature of the officer's achievement has been his ability to achieve results at minimal cost and through ingenious methods and innovative ideas. The Station security, which has always remained threatened due to proximity to Rann of Kutch, has been ensured through well thought out security measures, constant vigil and with the availability of an agile and ready counter force.

The Station had to bear the extra squadron for over an year, post 26 Jan 2001 earthquake, which rendered the neighbouring airfield of Bhuj in a despicable state, necessitating shift of fighter squadron. The Station managed the extra task admirably and sustained the morale of all its personnel at a height level through practical welfare measures and team spirit. The flight safety record of the Station has been noteworthy with all around attention being paid to safe operation through aircrew indoctrination, better time management and sound supervision. On declaration of 'Op Parakraman' the Station ensured smooth induction of additional forces and through proper handling and proactive approach the Station reached the requisite preparedness within the shortest possible time.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Air Commodore Madhusudan Banerjee VSM.

As the Chief Flying Instructor at Bidar from Jun 1977 to May 2000, he flew 990 h. For his untiring efforts and ensuring high quality of training achieved in a time bound manner, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

He was the Flying Display Director during Aero India 2001. His deep involvement in the meticulous planning and skilful coordination of over twenty types of aircraft from all over the world resulted in flying display of international standard. The quality and clockwork precision with which the flying display was conducted were highly appreciated by all the dignitaries who visited the Air Show, including the Chief of the Air Staff, AOC-in-C Training Command and the foreign participants.

During 2001, ASTE conducted a record number of 48 trials, highest in its history. This included some of the most complex trials conducted at ASTE till date. This was made possible by his hands-on style of management and leadership by personal example. He personally led most of the complex trials such as the ASPJ and CMD trials on different fighter aircraft and ensured very high quality of professionalism and supervision. He inspired and motivated his subordinates to very high levels of commitment and performance. He worked tirelessly, well beyond the commitments of ASTE were conducted in a safe, efficient and timely manner, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. ASTE maintained an accident free record during this period.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is please to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Subramanya Sukumar.

Group Captain Rana Biswas (15009) F (P) was commissioned on 10 Jun 1977 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. In 25 years of distinguished service, he has served in frontline transport squadrons of the IAF as a Flying Instructor in various Flying Training Establishments, as the Chief Operations Officer of a flying base and in a staff appointment in an operational Command. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of one of premier transport squadrons of the IAF.

Gp Capt Biswas's exceptional in flying and airborne instructions were recognized at an early stage in his career. He was instrumental in formulation of Standard Operating Procedures for the HS-748 aircraft. His superlative professional acumen and flying skills have served as a template for his successor. He has served in flying training establishments as a Flight Commander and as a Chief Flying Instructor. The exacting standards that he demanded and extracted from the trainees have stood them in good stead in their professional lives.

The squadron presently commanded by Gp Capt Biswas undertakes the onerous task of maintaining lifeline between the Indian mainland and Andaman and Nicobar islands, with the aircraft operating close to the limits of their endurance and performance. Under close supervision of Gp Capt Biswas, the allotted task has been achieved and, more often than not, surpassed, with all commitments being flown safely, smoothly and with enviable efficiency. The Officer has displayed sterling qualities of leadership, initiative and motivational abilities of an exceptionally high order. Under his stewardship, the squadron was adjudged the "Best Transport Combat Squadron" for the year 2000-2001.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Rana Biswas.

Wing Commander Neeraj Yadav (16399) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 11 Jun 1981 and presently posted to a Sqn of AF as a Commanding Officer since 06 Mar 2000.

Wg Cdr Yadav is an outstanding professional who has proved his mettle in various challenging assignments time and again. This was manifested in him being selected to command the premier Sqn of the IAF which had a specialist role of EW apart from AD role. It was recently given the additional role of Ground Attack including highly demanding Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) role. On assuming command, Wg Cdr Yadav deeply involved himself in the task and soon the Sqn achieved the high level of proficiency in Ground Attack (GA), which has come to be associated with this fleet. Under his command, the Sqn can proudly claim to have achieved the unique distinction of being Ops in three varied specialist roles.

An able administrator and keen sportsman, the leadership abilities of Wg Cdr Yadav were amply tested when Sqn was nominated to compete the Best Fighter Sqn Trophy during Vayuspardha 2000-2001. Leading from the front and inspiring his men at all levels, the Sqn outperformed all competitors in a wide array of activities to bag this prestigious award.

Administratively, he has displayed simple yet effective techniques of management to motivate the people. Empathizing with those in need and being firm when the situation warranted has resulted in his deriving the best from the men under his command at all times. His leadership vision has made the Sqn an epitome of hard work and harmony. His emphasis on clean environment has instilled a sense of belonging in the men and voluntary involvement in upkeep of the Sqn environment. This has led to the creation of healthy atmosphere and drastic reduction in acts of indiscipline.

For his dedication and devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Neeraj Yadav.

Wing Commander Sanjeev Narayan Deshpande (16559) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 11 Dec 1981. He has been the commanding officer of a fighter squadron, AF since 10 Jan 2000. Prior to taking over command of the Sqn, he has been the Chief Operations Officer of a frontline fighter base. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor. While he was the Flight Commander, his Sqn had the distinction of being adjudged the best fighter Sqn in WAC, IAF.

Wg Cdr Deshpande has been one of the first in his batch to command a fighter squadron. When he took over the command of the squadron there were 11 U/T ops and or U/T con pilots. Without complaining, he undertook the challenge of upgrading the squadron operational state. With his exemplary leadership, exceptional initiative and dedication in a short span of one and half years, the squadron achieved 100% ops status and ratings in May 2001. With is untiring efforts the squadron had the distinction of making 27 pilots operational by day of which 16 have become operational by night too.

While being the last to rest on his laurels he took upon himself to bring up the ops status of the Sqn in the ops role of valley attacks and high altitude weapon delivery. With his methodical approach, planning, professionalism and perseverance 27 pilots have become qualified in valley attacks and high altitude weapon delivery, which has been appreciated by the AOC-in-C, WAC and CAS. His extraordinary efforts and commendable enthusiasm was evident from the fact that he always led from the front and flew close to 90 sorties in the last two years. These results are noteworthy for they have been achieved without a single pilot error accident and the Sqn averaging over 300 sorites/180 hours per month inspite of poor serviceability before the R-11 engines were replaced by R-13 engines on the aircraft.

Although the effort was on bringing the ops status of the squadron, other fields were not left unattended and the Sqn under his able leadership also won the inter unit sports championship for the year 2000-01.

For his distinguished service and exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Sanjeev Narayan Deshpande.

Wing Commander Tarun Banerjee (16776) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 04 Jun 1982 and presently on deputation to NFTC, ADA since 23 June 1999 as a Test Pilot.

On 06 Jun 2002, he successfully undertook the first flight of the Light Combat Aircraft Technology Demonstrator-2 (LCA TD-2). In a prototype programme, the first flight of the subsequent prototypes is normally done by a Test Pilot who has already flown the previous prototype. However, due to the programme compulsions, the first flight of LCA TD-2 had to be undertaken by Wg Cdr Banerjee, without the experience of flying LCA TD-1.

The LCA TD-2 incorporated several new features, the most notable being the unproven ingeniously developed Head Up Display (HUD). He willingly accepted this programme decision and meticulously planned and executed various prepatory tests on the test rings and the prototype aircraft, facilitating identification and satisfactory resolution of a number of inadequacies. During the prepatory ground runs and taxi tests, the prototype type was repeatedly dogged by profuse hydraulic, lubricating oil and fuel leaks.

Wg Cdr Banerjee did not allow himself to be distracted by these high risk failures. In an unperturbed and most professional manner, he continued to conduct various tests and provided very useful inputs to resolve numerous design inadequacies. Braving all technological risks, he carried out the first flight in flawless manner and all the test objectives were achieved successfully. Thus, by putting his life at risk, well beyond the call of peace time duties, Wg Cdr Banerjee helped in achieving another major milestone in the LCA programme.

For exhibiting exemplary professionalism and devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Tarun Banerjee.

Wing Commander Amit Tiwari (16806) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of IAF on 04 Jan 1982. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College. The officer was posted to Air Force Station, Bidar on 29 April, 1997 as the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) Deputy Leader. Even without any experience in the erstwhile 'Thunderbolts', he quickly completed his syllabus and started performing public displays. He took over the mantle of Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Leader from 17 May 1999. He has led the team members with a keen sense of initiative to develop new manoeuvre for display. Towards this end, synchronous manoeuuvres were just the beginning. This was first display to the general public in Jun 2000 during the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy. He had successfully led the Team in 53 displays till date. With characteristic drive and administrative skill, he harnessed the limited resources under him to successfully put up a public display every time the team was tasked to perform. This was most evident during the team's display at Aero India 2001, International Fleet Review and their visit to Sri Lanka, where the Team operated overseas for the first time, bringing laurels and honour to the nation and Indian Air Force. Recently the team carried out the display at Hyderabad and kept a crowd of four lakhs enthralled with their immaculate and professional display.

Displaying total commitment and a very high degree of professionalism, Wg Cdr Tiwari believes in leading by personal example and displaying unique determination, steadiness, physical and mental endurance. Despite the very high risk involved in operating from different airfields, Wg Cdr Tiwari has led the tem gallantly without any accidents till date.

For distinguished service and exemplary professionalism, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Amit Tiwari.

Wing Commander Vipin Indira Padmanabhan Nayar (16829) F (P) was commissioned on 04 Jun 1982 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. In his distinguished career, he has held several important appointments, including instructional appointments at the NDA and FTEs, Flight Commander, Command Examiner and Air Force Examiner at the Aircrew Examination Board.

Wing Commander Vipin has epitomized professionalism and leadership on many occasions. While in an AN-32 Squadron, he recovered an aircraft and its occupant to safe landing by his remarkable professionalism when it suffered the failure of a critical engine in the Siachen Glacier. For this he was awarded Commendation by the CAS.

The quality of training to his Sqn pilots was instrumental in the Sqn winning the 'Best Transport Sqn' Trophy. In recognition of his commitment, utmost dedication and devotion he was awarded the Commendation by the CAS again in 1999. Wg Cdr Vipin assumed command of a Tpt Sqn in May 2001. Under the able steward ship, the Sqn won the trophy for the 'Best Tpt Sqn' in Western Air Command. With his professionalism, and skilful guidance, he provided exemplary leadership and motiva tion to the Sqn personnel to bring out their best despite manning constraints. The achievements in maintenance practices, innovations in technical eqpt and resources management stand testimony to his commitment to the IAF. Wg Cdr Vipin not only practices 'Service before Self', but also inculcates the same in men he commands.

For distinguished service of exceptional order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Vipin Indira Padmanabhan Nayar.

Wing Commander Thazhathu Pulikunnel Devasia Joseph (169464) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 29 December 1982. He has maintained an excellent flight safety record throughout his career. He has held the appointment of Air Force Examiner in Aircrew Examination Board. He is presently commanding a MiG-27 Squadron.

Wg Cdr Joseph was assigned the onerous task of commanding one of the only two night strike squadrons of the IAF. During the first year of his commanded, the share of nigh flying done by the squadron rose to 37% as against 30-31% prior to that. This was achieved inspite of long duration detachments for Millennium Vayu Shakti 2001 (MVS 2001) during fair weather period, long adverse weather period from Apr to Sep and recommencement flying for the inexperienced pilots in the squadron. Under his able guidance and supervision, eight pilots upgraded their operational status to Advanced Night Strike (ANS) qualified by Feb 2002. Through his active interaction with technical personnel and through meticulous planning, Wg Cdr Joseph was instrumental in raising and sustaining the serviceability of the fighters in the squadron by approx 20% during Sep 2001 to March 2002. As recognition of its continued superior performance over a prolonged period, the Squadron was selected as the only unit from Eastern Air Command to participate in the MVS 2001 in Jan-Feb 2001 and later in Sep 2001. The performance of the Sqn during the build up to MVS 2001 in Jan 2001 was particularly appreciated in writing by South Western Air Command, which was coordinating the show.

The officer, with his multidimensional initiatives and technological orientation, has effected several innovations. Many of these resulted in technical method simplification and quality enhancement. Some examples being, a wheel spinning device and modification for milking FDR data during super-structure engine ground runs. These innovative technical initiatives brought about higher aircraft availability with lesser man hours cost. In all these, he led from the front, setting personal examples of the highest standards, always keeping the interests of the service foremost. Thus, Wg Cdr Joseph has displayed excellent leadership, professionalism, and personal qualities, which have enabled the Sqn and its personal to achieve all the challenging tasks assigned to them with utmost efficiency and competence.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Wing Commander Thazhathu Pulikunnel Devasia Joseph.

Wing Commander Shreesh Mohan (16966) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 29 Dec 1982. He has over 3400 hours of flying experience to his credit. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, and an Instrument Rating Instructor cum Examiner. He was also part of the initial core group pilots who were trained in Russia on the Sukhoi-30 in 1997. He has been the Commanding Officer of the premier front line Sukhoi-30 Fighter Sqn since 15 May 2000. Having taken over this prestigious Su30 Squadron, Wg Cdr Mohan has led the Sqn from strength to strength with great enthusiasm, selfless motivation and a very professional approach. With his personal example, dedication, passion for excellence and concern for his men, he has consistently inspired the unit to perform exceptionally well. Under his dynamic leadership, the Sqn was adjudged the Best Fighter Sqn in SWAC for the year 2000 and participated in the Best Fighter Sqn competition for the Air Force in 2001. The Sqn has been involved in various operational trials, tactics development, equipment validation and was the forerunner for special missions during the period of 'Op Parakaram' activation in Dec 2001. Through his meticulous and professional approach he has endured that all the tasks assigned to the unit were performed in an unprecedented manner and in keeping with the finest traditions of the IAF.

With his expertise and previous experience, Wg Cdr Mohan has been instrumental in forming a three aircraft formation aerobatic team on the Su-30, leading once again from the front as the leader of the formation, it was for the first time that such a dedicated team was formed on a large and heavy aircraft of a frontline Sqn. He has also led the Sqn for numerous aerobatic and fly-past displays with clockwork precision, on events of national and international importance including Republic Day, International Fleet Review and Air Force Day. His able leadership, professional guidance and emphatic approach have created a very congenial environment, which has helped in instilling strong professional pride and a sense of belonging to the unit. He has ensured a very high standard of overall performance and the Sqn achieved an average plus grading in all fields from DASI in Dec 2001.

For his distinguished service and devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Shreesh Mohan

Wing Commander Anil Tiwari (17160) F(P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 28 May 1983 and presently commanding a Helicopter Unit in operational area with effect from 01 Aug 2001.

On 20 Jun 2001 Wg Cdr Tiwari received an SOS message from the Divisional Commissioner that two trucks with ten civilians on board were marooned in middle of Tawi river due to flash floods. Incessant rains in the upper reaches had caused the water level in the river to rise suddenly and submerge half the trucks. The water level was rising continuously and no other surface means to rescue the marooned persons had been possible. The risk of the trucks getting washed away in swift current endangering the lives of the personnel was imminent.

In true traditions of the IAF, Wg Cdr Tiwari took the lead and took charge of the rescue operation. The rescue helicopter got airborne and promptly reached the spot to carry out aerial recce. Analyzing the gravity of the situation and seeing the men huddled over top of the truck, he decided to winch up the marooned. Taking care of the heavy down wash of the helicopter did not disturb the truck or the personnel huddled on top, the helicopter was brought to a high hover the truck cabin. Continuous light drizzle, overcast skies and non-availability of visual clues over the fast flowing river made steady hover a professional challenge. Displaying steady composure and high professional skill, Wg Cdr Tiwari maintained steady hover and lowered the Flight Gunner on to the truck cabin and with precision and composure, one by one, all the ten men were winched up. Finally the Flight Gunner was winched up to accomplish a rescue mission which required continuous winching for about an hour. This operation received wide publicity and kept the flag of the IAF flying high.

For this display of courage, perseverance and professional skill, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Anil Tiwari.

Squadron Leader Biswanath Kar (21831) F (P) was commissioned on 13 Jun 1992. He is on the posted strength of a Hunter Squadron since 01 Dec 1997. His total service flying is 987 hours. He is also dual trained on the Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft and is one of the few pilots who is fully operational in flying this aircraft.

On 24 Sep 2001, Sqn Ldr Kar was ferrying a Hunter aircraft from Kalaikunda to Ambala. On reaching overhead Ambala, during the process of burning fuel, his engine flamed out. He tried a hot and cold relight, which were unsuccessful. At the time of the flame out the altitude of the aircraft was 7000 feet and he was not very favourably positioned in relation to the runway. Poor visibility and an unfamiliar airfield were added constraints. Despite these, Sqn Ldr Kar kept his cool and manoeuvred his aircraft to position himself on finals. During the process his ailerons went into manual control. He landed his aircraft at the correct touch down point and at correct speeds.

An engine failure in a single engine fighter would have normally resulted in an ejection leading to the loss of an aircraft, a precious national asset. The exceptional courage and professionalism exhibited by Sqn Ldr Kar, led to the safe recovery of the aircraft.

For his professional skill of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Biswanath Kar.

Flight Lieutenant Vishal Gupta (24169) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 21 Dec 1996 and is presently held on the posted strength of a Squadron of AF wef 12 Jun 2000. He is Fully Ops on Jaguar with a total of 295 h by day and 20 h by night on type.

On the night of 21 Jan 2002, he was authorized to fly a Medium Level Navigation sortie by moon phase. After a normal take off, on retracting undercarriage, the aircraft started pitching up sharply. All efforts to arrest the pitch up by pushing the stick forward and use of main and standby trimmer failed. To retain control over the aircraft he critically analysed the uncommanded motion of the aircraft, switched off reheats, banked the aircraft adequately to restrict pitch up and managed to level out at 10000 feet. He subsequently remained in turn in order to maintain height. He then started dropping his speed to ensure that level flight could be maintained after lowering of flaps. With the reduction of speed, lowering the flaps and jettisoning of excess fuel, he was able to regain some positive control over the aircraft in level flight. Subsequently, he ascertained that he could fly the aircraft and maintain level flight in landing configuration, with large but manageable stick forces. When fuel was reduced to landing configuration, he was fed into a Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) wherein he aligned himself with the runway well in advance and executed a safe landing. During this process he had to use all his skills to regulate the amount of forward pressure to maintain the glide slope, round out and touchdown.

During investigation, it was revealed that a cross point screw driver was stuck in the tail plane control rods. This physical restriction resulted in the control column getting almost jammed in fore and aft axis, and could only be moved by the force of both hands of the pilot. Faced with a critical situation Flt Lt Gupta kept his cool and took prompt action to retain control over the aircraft that had developed control restriction due to presence of foreign object. Although he had very limited experience by night on type, he displayed exceptional flying skills in overcoming a very serious flying situation. He handled a complex malfunction in a calm, composed and professional manner and thus averted the loss of a valuable asset of the nation.

For an act of courage, exceptional flying ability and presence of mind, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Flight Lieutenant Vishal Gupta.