Gp Capt Fali Homi Major, a helicopter pilot, raised and commanded the first Mi-17 Helicopter Unit in the IAF in 1985. He now commands one of the Helicopter Units in the Air Force.

Immediately after taking over command of his present unit, he proceeded to Sri Lanka, where his unit was operating in the offensive and logistic support role in support of "OP Pawan". He personally flew a number of operational sorties and supervised the functioning of the detachment there. It was largely due to his personal example and leadership qualities that the unit won many laurels including the appreciation of AOCin-C, WAC, AOC-in-C, SAC and the award of the prestigious IPKF standard.

In Feb 1990, the unit was inducted directly from Sri Lanka to Srinagar in support of "OP Rakshak". Gp Capt Major ensured that his aircrew were trained on the armament role of the aircraft in the shortest possible time to meet the requirement for armed "Internal Security" duties. He flew extensively in the area of operation and closely supervised the conduct of various operations.

Besides "OP Rakshak", his unit also operates in support of "OP Meghdoot". Gp Capt Major was instrumental in evaluating the Mi-17 helicopter in high altitudes and formulating SOPs and tactics in 1985. Today, with his sound knowledge and extensive flying in the area, his unit is doing yeoman service in support of "OP Meghdoot".

As the Task Force Commander of Exercise "Sky Hawk" in Nov 1990, he created some kind of a record by launching 302 night SHBO missions involving 900 combat troops with a force-level of 21 helicopters. His profes sionalism and direction ensured 100% mission accomplishment without an accident/incident and with a clock-work precision.

For his dynamic leadership, exceptional devotion to duty, professionalism and undaunted efforts to enhance the image of the IAF Helicopter Fleet, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Gp Capt FH Major.

Wing Commander Subroto Kundu (20781) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of Mi-17 Unit since 26 Sep 05 and has been functioning as the Flight Commander. He has been instrumental in planning and executing some of the major exercises undertaken by the unit. It includes induction of combat troops in the hills of Walong and casualty evacuation of CRPF troops by night, using Night Vision Goggles (NVG). These operations, carried out into the hills and the dense forests of North East, have given a fillip to the op potential of the armed forces.

On the night of 10 Nov 06, he was tasked for casualty evacuation of CRPF troops of 33 CRPF Bn, who were victims of an IED blast near Tinsukia. Though the weather was extremely marginal for the night flying, he decided to undertake this task in order to save the lives of the injured troops. He landed a Mi-17 helicopter in pitch darkness at an unlit helipad in the thick jungles near Roing with the sole aim to rescue the injured troops. He accomplished the task by evacuating one dead and other critically injured troops from Roing to Mohanbari, in a most professional manner. His professional courage and timely action saved the lives of two critically injured troops. The officer landed the helicopter on unchartered and unlit territory in thick jungles on a dark night displaying extreme level of courage and professionalism. Further, this operation was the first of its kind in the history of Indian Air Force and has projected the humane face of the service. For this act of exceptional courage, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Wing Commander Subroto Kundu.

Wing Commander Kenneth Allen (18805) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 13 Jun 87.

He is presently on the posted strength of an operational Mi-17 Unit as the CO since 28 Apr 06. He is a Helicopter Combat Leader instructor who has been involved in formulation and development of helicopter tactics at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment and has been the Directing Staff of all Helicopter Combat Leader courses conducted till date. He was also a member of the first IAF Contingent for the United Nations mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Flt Cdr of the Mi-25 Sqn.

During his tenure as CO, the unit has seen a marked improvement in operational orientation, maintenance and administration. The notable achievements of the unit have been the first ever casualty evacuation by night using Night Vision Goggles and first troop induction by night into Arunachal hills. Despite constraints of aircraft serviceability, he was instrumental in significant impr- ovement in the unit's operational status, quantum rise in operational role training by almost three times, night effort by two times and Night Vision Goggle training by almost eight times within the initial six months, and 100% categorisation of all unit aircrew within 10 months. All of this was achieved with nil accident and incident (human error). This could not have been possible, but for total involvement, meticulous planning, foresight of a high order and exceptional leadership displayed by Wg Cdr Allen, which ensured quality output from his subordinates.

For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Kenneth Allen.

657301 Warrant Officer Anand Ballabh Joshi Flt Gnr has been on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 02 Apr 1998.

On 30 Jun 2001 ten civilian labourers in two trucks were marooned in a flash flood in Tawi River. The sudden surge in water flow and strong currents resulted in the trucks getting bogged down. Surface means of rescue, were attempted, had to be abandoned due to the fast current. No other means of rescue other than air evacuation was feasible in the time frame available before the trucks were totally submerged. The risk of the trucks getting washed away in the rising water and fast current appeared imminent endangering the lives of ten civilians.

WO Joshi was detailed as the Flight Gunner for the rescue mission. During the briefing conducted when a volunteer was sought to be winched down on to the marooned truck, Warrant Officer Joshi immediately volunteered for the task despite the inherent risk. After establishing a hover over the trucks, Warrant Officer Joshi was winched down from a height of more than 20 m. His presence on the truck was inescapable to brief the untrained civilians as well as to ensure an organised recovery. The strong current and resultant wobbling of the marooned truck coupled with the persistent light drizzle and rotor downwash made the job of Warrant Officer Joshi a professional challenge. WO Joshi maintained his cool even under such difficult circumstances. After briefing the civilians he ensured that they were winched up one at a time after being firmly secured to the rescue strap. Warrant Officer Joshi's contribution is no small measure to the completion of winching in the shortest possible time. Warrant Officer Joshi remained on the marooned truck and was the last person to be winched to safety.

The successful and timely completion of the daring rescue operation was possible due to the cool composure and professionalism displayed by WO, even when under personal danger. This operation which received wide publicity, kept the flag of the IAF flying in addition to raising the esteem of IAF in the eyes of the common man and saving valuable lives.

For this display of exemplary personal courage, cool composure and high standards

of professionalism, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Warrant Officer Anand Ballabh Joshi.