Flight Lieutenant Adarsh Vir (16236) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Flights since 17 Oct 86.

On 17 Mar 88 he was the captain of a Chitra aircraft on an operational sortie. On completion of the task and during the prelanding checks he noticed that the starboard main wheel indication remained 'RED'. On visual inspection it was found that though the undercarriage doors were partially open the main wheel remained up. He carried out the emergency actions to lower the undercarriage. However, the starboard undercarriage failed to come down.

Flt Lt Vir was instructed to burn up fuel and execute a two wheel landing at an alternate base to prevent a major international field from being blocked. Flt Lt Vir was airborne for more than four hours after the declaration of emergency. During this period he briefed each of his crew members on landing procedures, feathered the starboard engine and made a perfect approach leading to a smooth land ing. He held the aircraft in firm control and kept the starboard wing up till it became aerodynamically impossible. These actions were primarily responsible for the aircraft sustaining the barest minimum damage. He has 1930 hours of total service flying of which only 230 hours are on Chitra as Captain. Despite his limited experience he displayed exemplary airmanship and professional skill of a very high order in handling the emergency thus keeping the damage to the Airframe and engines to the minimum.

For his professional skill, cool competence in the face of a grave emergency and his exemplary airmanship, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt. Adarsh Vir.