On 21 November 2003, a Cheetah helicopter of this unit faced control problems and force landed at an altitude of 17,200 feet near a forward post in the Siachen glacier close to the AGPL. The helicopter remained overnight in glacier and its retrieval very next day was inescapable as further delay would have resulted in oil and lubricants getting solidified and helicopter getting submerged under snow due to bad weather resulting in loss of the entire helicopter worth crores. It was under such circumstances that Squadron Leader RS Kumar volunteered to take on the daunting and challenging task of recovering this helicopter. He landed at the crash site the very next day without any acclimatization, which could have caused him a permanent disability or even death. After required checks and rectification the major task was to get the aircraft started. Starting at such altitude calls for innovation and use of unorthodox measures, something not taught at any training institute or in any manual and required an active and fertile mind. Use of petrol in the fuel filter and blowing of oxygen into the air intakes helped to achieve successful start to aero engine and subsequent retrieval of a fully serviceable aircraft, which was otherwise destined to be a beacon in the glacier. He also displayed exemplary courage by opting to fly back as a passenger in the same aircraft, a tribute to his belief in himself. He was thus responsible for the recovery of the strike helicopter.

For this act of exemplary courage and dedicated professionalism wherein he risked his own life to save an aircraft worth crores to exchequer, the Hon`ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Rakshale Sanjeev Kumar.

On 24 August 2003, he was detailed to fly as number two in a three aircraft air maintenance mission in Op-Meghdoot, Ex-Base Camp to Amar and Sonam, the highest helipads in the world.

In the second shuttle from Khanda helipad to Sonam helipad, while climbing past 18,500 feet, the aircraft suddenly yawed to right, with drop in engine and rotor RPM. Flight Lieutenant Nayar, displaying great presence of mind in identifying the emergency as an engine failure, instinctively lowered the collective to put the aircraft into a state of autorotation. An engine failure at such high altitudes demands prompt actions from a pilot after which any other action is futile. He thereafter, in calm and thoroughly professional manner turned towards the foot tract the only safe landing spot in the crevasse prone, undulating terrain and simultaneously gave the May Day call. He executed a flawless autorotative landing, a feat often unheard of at such an elevation. His exceptional situational awareness, skill and professional handling of the emergency resulted in an absolutely safe landing and both the pilots coming out scratch free from the aircraft. Flight lieutenant Nayar's professionalism was also displayed earlier when he executed a safe landing at Leh airfield during an engine failure on 16 February 2002, with only minor damage to the Oleos. His actions are in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force and attributes of an Air Warrior.

For this act of exceptional gallantry and exemplary professionalism, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Flight Lieutenant Navin Maranatha Nayar.

Flight Lieutenant Amit Sharma (26715) Flying (Pilot) was on the posted strength of a Cheetah Helicopter Unit at Air Force Station Leh since 17 Jul 06.

On 11 Apr 07, Flt Lt Sharma was detailed for an air logistics support sortie to Amar helipad located on the Siachen Glacier, as the co­pilot in the No.l of a two aircraft formation. The Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield in the world. Flying over this vast frozen ice mass entails flying in the extremes of climatic conditions over exceedingly inhospitable terrain. The margin for error in this environment, while flying the single engine Cheetah aircraft, is practically nonexistent. Amar post has the highest helipad in the world with density altitude exceeding twenty thousand feet and is located on the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL). The sortie was uneventful till final approach. On short finals, an overshoot had to be initiated as tail winds were encountered. The helicopter experienced a sudden loss of power and height after crossing the helipad. The engine jet pipe temperature (JPT) also shot up. In spite of the best efforts of the pilots, the aircraft crashed about 300 meters ahead of Amar helipad, in direct line of sight of the Pakistani post.

Flt Lt Sharma maintained his cool in this unusual emergency and handled the situation in a competent manner displaying a high degree of professionalism. He kept a close check on the engine parameters and assisted the captain in attempting to recover the aircraft. He also cautioned the captain about the unusually high JPT. Unfortunately, the JPT failed to respond to the emergency actions by the pilots and the aircraft continued to lose height. The pilots therefore took the highly courageous decision of attempting to force land across the AGPL. However due to the absence of a suitable force landing field in the harsh, snow bound and sloping terrain, the helicopter crashed, giving no chance of survival to the crew. Flt Lt Sharma, a true air warrior, made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country, displaying exceptional courage beyond the call of duty in the best traditions of the IAF.

For this act of exceptional courage, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Flight Lieutenant Amit Sharma (Posthumously).

Master Warrant Officer Mavilakandy Narayanan was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 15th May 1943. During his 25 years of unblemished service record as a Clk G.D. he has with distinction served in numerous appointments in the various formations of the Air Force, the noteable amongst them are Assistant Adjutant at Air Force Station Tambaram, O i/c P-3 Headquarters Maintenance Command, Org IV in Headquarters Training Command, M.W.O I/c Personnel-I Headquarters Western Air Command, in which appointment he is serving at present. He has also to his credit an unusually long tenure of two years and 3 months at a Tactical Air Centre, which he most cheerfully completed in spite of the adverse and exacting climatic conditions.

All through his 25 years of service, Master Warrant Officer Narayanan has worked with commendable energy and perseverance, setting a very high standard of efficiency as a Clk G.D. A M.W.O. of outstanding ability who by his unflagging zeal, helpful spirit understanding and integrity has set a fine example to the airmen working under him. By unremitting care and energizing his men to the utmost effort he has always ensured a very high standard of efficiency. In his long years of service he has never spared himself or those placed under him in a determined effort to fulfill the task entrusted to him.

M.W.O. Narayanan's skill and effort as a Clk G.D., his administrative ability, energy, drive and devotion to duty have always been a source of inspiration to the airmen working under him.

Master Warrant Officer Mavilakandy Narayanan has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

765828 Corporal SANWAR MAL Engine Fitter

765828 Corporal Sanwar Mal Eng/Fit is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit in the Northern Sector with effect from 26 Jul 97.

On 26 Mar 98, one helicopter experienced engine flame out at Sonam helipad. Cpl Sanwar Mal was in the team of gritty technicians who carried out the daunting and herculean task of the first ever engine change at the highest helipad in the world. Subsequently, the unit was tasked by Air HQ to retrieve the engine and Cpl Sanwar Mal was detailed as the leader of the two-member team with the imposing task of dismantling the engine for it to be flown back.

The mission required him to undergo the strenuous Siachen Battle School Course, which he did with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. After the successful completion of the Course, he duly took on the challenge of reaching the destination by the land route which required night halt at various glacier posts for acclimatisation. During his stay at the shell prone Khanda post Cpl Sarwar Mal maintained his composure and exhibited a high level of maturity which boosted the morale of his junior partner.

At Sonam, braving the inclement weather, problems due to insufficient oxygen and disregarding the threat to his life due to heavy enemy fire, Cpl Sanwar Mal displaying the qualities of a great soldier accomplished the task assigned to him in record time. The first Indian Air Force personnel to spend four nights at the highest helipad in the world, Cpl Sanwar Mal was evacuated after the initial symptoms of HAPO.

For his unflinching devotion to duty and for rendering distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Cpl Sanwar Mal.

766642 Corporal Sarvesh Kumar Eng/Fit is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit, in the Northern Sector since 22 Jan 98.

Helicopters of the unit are operating continuously on the extremes of their flight envelope resulting in heavy structural loads to frequent aero engine snags. Cpl Sarvesh with his sound professional knowledge and keen sense of involvement has contributed immensely in maintaining a high aircraft serviceability in the unit.

On 26 Mar 98, a helicopter experienced engine flame out at Sonam helipad and successful engine change was carried out subsequently. The unit was tasked by Air HQ to retrieve the engine for further investigation. Cpl Sarvesh was detailed as a member of the two man team with the gigantic task of dismantling the engine at Sonam for it to be flown back.

Showing keen interest, Cpl Sarvesh successfully completed the tough Siachen Battle School Course before he could be inducted into the Glacier via the land route which involved night halts at several posts including the shell prone Khanda post.

Displaying nerves of steel and maintaining his composure at all times, Cpl Sarvesh is one of the two first IAF personnel to spend four nights at Sonam, the highest operational helipad in the world. His untiring efforts and valuable assistance to his senior partner enabled them to complete the imposing task despite sub-zero temperature, lack of oxygen and threat to life due to enemy fire.

For his unflinching devotion to duty and for having rendered distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Cpl Sarvesh Kumar.