As Commanding Officer of Indian Air Force Element of United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM-II) during 1993-94 Wg Cdr NK Upadhya with his leadership, administrative acumen and professionalism ensured that all his helicopters were hundred percent airworthy at all times. He achieved this by ensuring a very high standard of maintenance in adverse conditions existing in Somalia. The environment is dusty and humid with a very high salt content. There being no proper airfield or hangars, the helicopters are perforce parked in the open. Wing Commander Upadhya evolved cost effective procedures, thereby bringing down the running cost of helicopter operations considerably.

On 15 March 1994, at 1030 h Wing Commander Upadhya was directed to render assistance to an Indian convoy which was under heavy fire from Somali militia near Wanle Wyne. On reaching the area, he could not find any suitable landing site in the proximity of the convoy. He decided to attempt a landing on the narrow dusty road behind the convoy, the area in which the firing was continuing. Displaying utmost dexterity in flying skill, professionalism and courage, he safely landed the helicopter. He was asked to evacuate five critically wounded Somali militiamen. He quickly assimilated and assessed the situation, and directed another helicopter flying in the area to divert to the site. He got air borne and provided fire cover making it safe for the other helicopter to land. Wasting no time, Wing Commander Upadhya landed, took two casualties on board his helicopter and evacuated them in good time to Indian Hospital at Baidoa. For this exemplary courage and leadership, Wing Commander Upadhya has earned a good name for the Indian contingent amongst the contingents of other 32 nations forming UNOSOM-II.

For exceptional bravery and distinguished service of high order rendered with UNOSOMII in Somalia, the President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Narendra Kumar Upadhaya.

In August 1992 Wing Commander Dilip Dinkar Mandpe as Commanding Officer of a helicopter unit was tasked to undersling a snow scooter to one of the forward posts at an altitude of 16,700' AMSL. If the snow scooter had not been airlifted the post would have had to be abandoned in winter and this would have meant a great setback to Op Meghdoot. Realising the gravity of the situation Wg Cdr Mandpe undertook the sortie personally and accomplished the mission successfully.

During this period Wg Cdr Mandpe has flown over 350 captain hrs evacuating several causalities and carrying vital stores in the Siachin glacier under trying conditions and constant threat of enemy small arms fire, artillery shelling and the surface-to-air missiles. The most notable casualty evacuation carried out by Wg Cdr Mandpe was on 08 Apr 1993 when the Air Force was asked to evacuate five casualties from Sonam post. Under adverse weather conditions and visibility just 500 meters, Wg Cdr Mandpe successfully brought out the casualties in two sorties.

In addition to this impressive effort, he has been instrumental in imparting operational training and undertaking clearance of the unit pilots in the 'Op Meghdoot' area. His personal involvement has ensured a very high percentage of unit pilots being fully operational in this area.

For distinguished service of high order in 'Op Meghdoot' area of operations, the President is pleased to award the 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Dilip Dinkar Mandpe.

Squadron Leader PE Patange as a member of Indian Air Force Element took part in the United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM-II) for flying duties during October 1993.

On 15 March 1994 at 1145 hrs Sqn Ldr Patange was returning from Mogadishu after completion of a United Nations' mission. He was directed on radio to divert and render assistance to an Indian convoy which was involved in heavy exchange of fire with Somali militia near Wanle Wyne.

Sqn Ldr Patange quickly assimilated the situation and flew the helicopter directly to the site. There was no suitable landing ground in the proximity of the site and heavy firing was continuing. Sqn Ldr Patange, displaying utmost courage and professionalism, landed the helicopter, under fire, on a narrow dusty road behind the convoy. On landing, he was tasked to evacuate to Baidoa, a Somali militia man who was critically wounded in the heavy exchange of fire and was unconscious. An Irish doctor who was accompanying the convoy was also taken on board to take care of the casualty during the flight. While flying towards Baidoa the casualty regained consciousness and became violent posing a grave threat to the crew and the occupants of the helicopter. Sqn Ldr Patange, despite the danger to himself and his crew, kept his cool and handled the situation with exemplary courage. He safely landed the helicopter at Baidoa and handed over the casualty to the Indian Field Hospital. This gallant act of Sqn Ldr Patange has brought a good name to the Indian contingent and enhanced the image of India amongst contingents of other 32 nations which are a part of UNOSOM-II.

For distinguished service of high order while serving with UNOSOM-II in Somalia, the President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Prashant Eknath Patange.