On the 13th October 1992, the haulage cable of the Timber Trail resort ropeway snapped and the cable car with 10 passengers on board got stuck in the middle of the valley at a height of 1300 feet above the river bed. At 1400 hours on 14th October, 1992 Wing Commander Subhash Chander was given the task of rescuing these stranded tourists. He took off from Chandimandir at 1410 hours and carried our a recce of the ropeway cables, HT cables, stranded cable car and other obstructions in the rescue area. At 1620 hours Wing Commander Subhash Chander took off for rescue mission which was one of the most difficult and dangerous rescue operation ever undertaken. Since the valley was narrow the helicopter had to be manoeuvred with utmost care and precision to bring it to hover at the point of the beginning of the ropeway height of 1350 feet. He brought the helicopter and made it lower about 30 meters above the cable with utmost skill and precision flying. The cable on the left was only about 3-5 meters away and under the rotor blades. To keep the helicopter steady at that height without any reference point and under cross wind conditions was a very difficult and challenging task.

The manoeuvre lasted about 15 minutes and was extremely demanding. Wing Commander Subhash Chander kept his cool and encouraged the crew members to maintain the highest level of concentration. The mission was successful and the stranded passengers were winched to the helicopter.

Wing Commander Subhash Chander has, thus, displayed conspicuous courage, dedication and exceptional flying skill.

Wing Commander Harjinder Pal Singh Natt is commanding the Mi-17 Helicopter Unit located at 30 Wing, Air Force since 10 May 1993.

During September, States of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh were extensively affected by devastating floods. Helicopters were pressed into service to bring succor to the flood victims. On 12 September, 1995 there was massive landslide, north of Kulu, wherein scores of civilians were trapped in the fast flowing Beas River. These people had lost all hope of survival. On being informed about this, Wg Cdr Natt went along with Wg Cdr Mann, (Commanding Officer Cheetah Dett) and rushed to the site in a Cheetah helicopter. Proximity of electric and telephone cables precluded the chances of rescue. Under these circumstances, Wg Cdr Natt alighted himself on a large rock and the helicopter returned to Kulu for removal of doors in order to facilitate rescue.

As the helicopter returned, Wg Cdr Natt got into the act and he physically pulled out two survivors from the fast flowing Beas, standing on the skids of the helicopter. While doing so, Wg Cdr Natt showed phenomenal presence of mind in planning and executing this act of bravery. The situation was always dangerous but he hung on, in the presence of thousands of stranded people, who gave a standing ovation during and after the mission. Besides personal achievement, this act is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Air Force and vindicated the motto – “The Angels from the Skies”.

Wing Commander Harjinder Pal Singh, thus, displayed courage, determination and dedication with utter disregard to his personal safety.

Flight Lieutenant Pradeep Gupta has been on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Helicopter Units since 02 Jun 90.

The operational task of the unit is to primarily to fly sorties in support of ground forces to Siachen Glacier where helipads are located at the height of 16,000 ft and above.

ON 05 Jul 90, Flt Lt Gupta carried out ten sorties in the Siachen Glacier area. Undaunted by the fatigue due to previous sorties as well as the natural hardship of operating in oxygenthin high altitude, the officer willingly took off for the eleventh sortie of the day. The destination this time was the Chandan helipad located at 16500 ft above MSL and is a serious challenge to the professional skill and courage of a pilot.

While approaching the helipad, the enemy fired a missile which missed his helicopter. Considering the advantageous position of the enemy, he was most vulnerable target. It required exceptional courage and years of motivation to retrieve the ac from a dangerous situation. Already at low altitude, the office initiated a descending turn to manoeuvre the helicopter in a direction away from the range of enemy missiles. Descending to ultra low level, he effectively avoided enemy missiles. Amidst the enemy shelling of Chandan helipad and missiles fired at his helicopter, Flt Lt Gupta intelligently pulled the helicopter out of the range of enemy fire.

For his distinguished service of a high order under most trying conditions in a warlike situation, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Flt Lt Pradeep Gupta.

Wg Cdr R Banerjee was the Commanding Officer one of the Air Force Helicopter units from 27 Jun 88 to 19 Apr 91.

Although the unit was equipped with aircraft only on 27 June 88, with his tremendous enthusiasm, initiative and unparalleled organizing capacity, he not only declared the unit operational within six days but had also moved to Punjab for massive flood relief operations. His sterling qualities of intense patriotism, supreme leadership and excellent flying skills ensured very successful induction of Mi-17 ac in Op Pawan, especially in offensive role. He fully exploited the aircraft to ensure tremendous success during the operations, exhibiting a very high sense of professionalism and dedication to the cause. His unit remained inducted in OP Pawan for almost one year and flew more than 4000 hrs in extremely hostile environment without any accident/incident once again reflecting his qualities of leadership and professionalism.

Under his command, the unit undertook various tasks. Working prodigious hours, he cheerfully undertook all operations ranging from 'Op Meghdoot' to 'Op Falcon', Aid to civil power in Punjab, Srinagar and Patna, Air Maintenance in Himachal Pradesh and Special Heliborne Operations in the deserts of Rajasthan.

As a pilot, he has to his credit 8700 hrs of rotary Wing flying experience. His performance in the last five years has been really incredible in which he has flown 4603 hrs. Such outstanding feat in operational service flying is worthy of emulation.

For his leadership, professionalism par excellence and outstanding contribution to service whilst in command of an Air Force Helicopter Unit, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr R Banerjee.

On 13 Oct 92, the hauling cable of cable car carrying passengers to 'Timber Trail' holiday resort had snapped and ten passengers on board got stranded in the middle of the valley. The Air Force was given the task to rescue the passengers of cable car which was dangling at a height of 1500 ft. above the river bed.

A specially selected aircrew including Flt Lt P Upadhaya was tasked to undertake this hazardous mission. The only way, the tourists could be saved was by winching them up from the cable car. For this, the helicopter had to hover precariously close to the set of cables that ran above the cable car. The mission was fraught with danger as the slightest mistake on the part of any team member could end in disaster.

The helicopter was manoeuvred to a position above the cable car, with a roof approx 2' x 2' in dimension. Absence of any visual reference, turbulence and strong winds made precision hovering over the car very difficult and hazardous. Hovering is tiring and doing the same respectively ten times, 20 mts. each, involved exceptional courage and professional skills. It was due to sheer professionalism and exceptional courage that all ten passengers were rescued. This rescue operation was perhaps the first of its kind in the history.

For exceptional courage, professional of highest order, excellent team work and exemplary devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flt Lt P Upadhaya.

Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir (17143-R) Flying (Pilot) was on the posted strength of a Mi-17 Helicopter Unit since 12 May 98.

On 28 May 99, Sqn Ldr Pundir was tasked to fly a live strike against enemy positions at point 5140, located at an inhospitable altitude of 5.1 Kms. While undertaking the mission, Sqn Ldr Pundir was fully aware that the area was infested with missiles and that the only counter measure against the missile was not fitted on his helicopter. Realising the importance of the mission, Sqn Ldr Pundir boldly accepted the challenge and with total disregard to personal safety went ahead with the strike. Having successfully pressed home the attack, during the break away, Sqn Ldr Pundir's helicopter was hit by a Stinger missile. Despite his best efforts to assist control the damaged helicopter it crashed killing Sqn Ldr Pundir and all the crew members.

Displaying a very high level of professional competence and courage, Sqn Ldr Pundir had already undertaken two strike missions in the treacherous terrain of the Dras sub sector. These missions achieved astounding success and were the key to subsequent easy recapture by the ground forces. In his action, Sqn Ldr Pundir displayed exceptional courage and acted in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

For this act of exceptional courage the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Sqn Ldr Rajiv Pundir, Posthumous.

Squadron Leader Nitish Kumar (19898-K) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 15 Dec 97.

During 'Op Safed Sagar', the helicopters were tasked for strike mission on enemy strongholds in Kargil & Dras sectors. Sqn Ldr Nitish Kumar was the Captain of our strike missions which targeted Tololing & Tiger Hill on 26, 27 and 28 May 99.

The attack was against heavy odds of terrain, altitude and hostile fire (including Stinger Missiles and small arms). Handling the aircraft close to the limits of its flight envelope called for not only superior flying skills but exceptional courage in view of the prevalent hostile environment. The attack was carried out fearlessly and with precision resulting in considerable damage to the intruders. The success of the attack is also attributed to the meticulous planning and preparation carried out prior to the mission. Non availability of ejection seat or force landing field implied that any hit on the heptr could be critical. Unflinching in the face of risk, he displayed immense courage and fighting spirit and undertook the task with professionalism. His enthusiasm and valour was a major contribution towards boosting the morale of the other crew in the team.

For this exceptional act of gallantry, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Nitish Kumar.

Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Muhilan (22739-A) Flying (Pilot) was on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 15 Feb 98.

On 28 May 99, Flt Lt Muhilan was tasked to fly a live strike against enemy positions at point 5140, located at an inhospitable altitude of 5.1 Kms. While undertaking the mission, Flt Lt Muhilan was fully aware that the area was infested with missiles and that the only counter measure against the missile was not fitted on his helicopter. Realising the importance of the mission, Flt Lt Muhilan boldly accepted the challenge and with total disregard to personal safety went ahead with the strike. Having successfully pressed home the attack, during the break away, Flt Lt Muhilan's helicopter was hit by a Stinger Missile. Despite Flt Lt Muhilan's best effort to control the damaged helicopter, it crashed killing Flt Lt Muhilan and all his crew members.

Displaying a very high level of professional competence and courage, Flt Lt. Muhilan had already undertaken three strike missions in the treacherous terrain of the Dras sub sector. These missions achieved astounding success and were the key to subsequent easy recapture by the ground forces. In his action, Flt Lt Muhilan displayed exceptional courage and acted in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

For this act of exceptional gallantry, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Subramaniam Muhilan, Posthumous.

695490-A Sergeant Prasad Pilla Venkata Narayana Ravi (Flight Gunner) was on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 20 Jun 98.

On 28 May 99, Sgt Prasad was tasked to fly in a live strike against enemy positions at point 5140, located at an inhospitable altitude of 5.1 Kms. While undertaking the mission, Sgt Prasad was fully aware that the area was infested with missiles and that the only counter measure against the missile was not fitted on his helicopter. Realising the importance of the mission, Sgt Prasad boldly accepted the challenge and with total disregard to personal safety went ahead with the strike. Having successfully pressed home the attack, during the break away, Sgt Prasad's helicopter was hit by a Stinger Missile. In the ensuing crash Sgt Prasad was killed along with the other crew members.

Displaying a very high level of professional competence and courage, Sgt. Prasad had already undertaken three strike missions in the treacherous terrain of the Dras sub sector. These missions achieved astounding success and were the key to subsequent easy recapture by the ground forces. In his action, Sgt Prasad displayed exceptional courage and acted in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

For this act of exceptional courage, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Sergeant Prasad Pilla Venkata Narayana Ravi Posthumous.

729917-K Sergeant Sahu Raj Kishore (Flight Engineer) was on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 24 May 97.

On 28 May 99, Sgt Sahu was tasked to fly in a live strike against enemy positions at point 6140, located at inhospitable altitude of 5.1 Kms. While undertaking the mission, Sgt Sahu was fully aware that the area was infested with missiles and that the only counter measure attaints the missile was not fitted join his helicopter. Realising the importance of the mission, Sgt Sahu boldly accepted the challenge and with total disregard to personnel safety went ahead with the strike. Having successfully pressed home the attack, during the break away, Sgt Sahu's helicopter was hit by a Stinger Missile. In the ensuing crash Sgt Sahu was killed along with the other crew members.

Displaying a very high level of professional competence and courage, Sgt Sahu had already undertaken three strike missions in the treacherous terrain of the Dras sub sector. These missions achieved astounding success and were the key to subsequent easy recapture by the ground forces. In his action, Sgt Sahu displayed exceptional courage and acted in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air force.For this act of exceptional courage, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Sergeant Sahu Rajkishore, Posthumous.

668396L Warrant Officer Krishan Singh Dhillon Flight Engineer is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force since 01 Aug 97.

During Op 'Safed Sagar', the helicopters were tasked to undertake strike and Casevac missions on enemy strongholds in the treacherous terrain of Kargil and Dras. WO Dhillon took part in OP 'Safed Sagar' and flew 146 sorties from May till July 99 including missions on targets that were Tololing, Tiger Hill and Pt 5140.

The aircraft was exposed to a high degree of risk, not only due to enemy fire but also due to aircraft operating on the fringes of its flight envelope. This called for an alert monitoring of parameters and perfect crew co­ordination. WO Dhillon, a Cat 'A' Flight Engineer, displayed professionalism and remained composed in the face of heavy risk. His confidence and enthusiasm was infectious and was a morale boosting factor for the Flight Engineers of other aircraft in the team. His professional competence, initiative and zeal was a fine example for the junior Flight Engineers to emulate. He was aware that the missions were fraught with danger and that any hit on the heptr would not give him a chance of escape or force landing in that terrain. Yet his enthusiasm and fighting spirit did not diminish as he participated in repeated missions.

For his exceptional act of courage, in the face of the enemy, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Warrant Officer Krishan Singh Dhillon.

On 13 Oct 92, the hauling cable of a cable car carrying passengers to 'Timber Trail'

holiday resort had snapped and ten passengers on board got stranded in the middle of the valley. The Air Force was given the task to rescue the passengers from the cable car which was dangling at a height of 1500 ft above the river bed. A specially selected aircrew including JWO Yadav was tasked to undertake this hazardous mission. The only way, the tourists could be saved was by winching them up from the cable car. For this, the helicopter had to hover precariously close to the set of cables that ran above the cable car. The mission was fraught with danger, a slightest mistake on the part of any team member could end in disaster.

The helicopter was maneuvered to a position above the cable car, with a roof approx 2' x 2' in dimension. Absence of any visual reference, turbulence and strong winds made precision hovering over the car very difficult and hazardous. Hovering is tiring and doing the same repetitively ten times, 20 mts each, involved exceptional courage and professional skills. It was due to sheer professionalism and exceptional courage that all the ten passengers were rescued. This rescue operation was perhaps the first of its kind in the history.

For exceptional courage, professionalism of highest order, excellent team work and exemplary devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to JWO Brahmdev Yadav.

On 13 Oct 92, the hauling cable of a cable car carrying passengers to 'Timber Trail' holiday resort had snapped and ten passengers on board got stranded in the middle of the valley. The Air Force was given the task to rescue the passengers from the cable car which was dangling at a height of 1500 ft above the river bed. A specially selected aircrew including Sgt Santosh Kumar Sahu was tasked to undertake this hazardous mission. The only way, the tourists could be saved was by winching them up from the cable car. For this, the helicopter had to hover precariously close to the set of cables that ran above the cable car. The mission was fraught with danger, a slightest mistake on the part of any team member could end in disaster.

The helicopter was maneuvered to a position above the cable car, with a roof approx 2' x 2' in dimension. Absence of any visual reference, turbulence and strong winds made precision hovering over the car very difficult and hazardous. Hovering is tiring and doing the same repetitively ten times, 20 mts each, involved exceptional courage and professional skills. It was due to sheer professionalism and exceptional courage that all the ten passengers were rescued. The rescue operation was perhaps the first of its kind in the history.

For exceptional courage, professionalism of highest order, excellent team work and exemplary devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sgt SK Sahu.

On 13 Oct 92, the hauling cable of a cable car carrying passengers to 'Timber Trail' holiday resort had snapped and ten passengers on board got stranded in the middle of the valley. The Air Force was given the task to rescue the passengers from the cable car which was dangling at a height of 1500 ft above the river bed.

A specially selected aircrew including Sgt Dalai Gangadhar was tasked to undertake this hazardous mission. The only way, the tourists could be saved was by winching them up from the cable car. For this, the helicopter had to hover precariously close to the set of cables that ran above the cable car. The mission was fraught with danger, a slightest mistake on the part of any team member could end in disaster.

The helicopter was maneuvered to a position above the cable car, with a roof approx 2' x 2' in dimension. Absence of any visual reference, turbulence and strong winds made precision hovering over the car very difficult and hazardous. Hovering is tiring and doing the same repetitively ten times, 20 mts each, involved exceptional courage and professional skills. It was due to sheer professionalism and exceptional courage that all the ten passengers were rescued. The rescue operation was perhaps the first of its kind in the history.

For exceptional courage, professionalism of highest order, excellent team work and exemplary devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sgt Dalai Gangadhar.