Sergeant Lakshman Prasad Swamy, Airframe Fitter of Air Headquarters Communication Squadron was travelling with his family in a bus from village Budabar to Sujjangarh Rajasthan on the 7th July, 1988. The bus got bogged down in sand. The conductor while taking out a PSP sheet from the bus roof, accidentally touched the PSP sheet with the overhead high voltage power cable where it got stuck, resulting in electric shock and severe burns to many passengers.

Without caring for his badly injured wife and son or his own personal safety, Sgt Prasad displayed rare courage and presence of mind in that critical situation in which the driver of the bus had fled the scene. He ensured safe evacuation of all the injured and badly shaken passengers, himself being the last to leave the ill fated bus. But before he could step out from the bus, the attendant in the distant power house had replaced the blown-out fuse causing a second electric shock to the bus in which the saviour of all passengers – Sgt Lakshman Prasad of Indian Air Force was electrocuted,

Sergeant Lakshman Prasad Swamy, thus, gave a rare display of selflessness and courage in saving damages and made the supreme sacrifice of his life.

A team of seven European Trekkers between the ages of 30 to 70 years had been stranded at an altitude of 14500 feet in Bhutan. One of them had already died and the rest were in a critical condition. They were reported to be suffering from High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) and unless immediately evacuated would have met the same fate. On the 7th October, 1988 Squadron Leader Sanjiv Misra was detailed for the casualty evacuation mission. Although he was aware that the place of evacuation was located well above the normal operating limits of the Chetak helicopter and that too in an uncharted territory, Sqn Ldr Misra decided to proceed with the mercy mission since any delay would have resulted in more fatalities. He took off with a senior Bhutanese official on board and showing exceptional skill quickly searched the area and located four survivors. In spite of the extremely difficult hilly terrain, he managed to put down the helicopter on a narrow ledge and evacuated two of the more serious casualties. He now learnt that the dead foreigner and the other two survivors were stranded at a place 2/3 miles away and their condition was even worse. Sqn Ldr Misra flew the two casualties to Thimpu, kept the rotor going and then after quick refueling at Paro proceeded to the second location. Since no clear place was available, after considerable search and bringing all his experience into play he managed to hold the helicopter on a small patch in a hilly stream which was strewn with huge boulders. He left the senior official at this site to guard the body and evacuated the two casualties to Thimpu. Once again, after quick refuelling, he went to the 1st location and flew out the remaining two casualties. By this time the weather had deteriorated and he had already been flying for over 5 hours. But realising that the civilian official guarding the dead body was in peril and would not survive the night, he went back once again and rescued the civilian along with the dead body.

Throughout this mission, Squadron Leader Sanjiv Misra showed high professional skill and exceptional courage.

In February, 1989 Wing Commander Chekuri Mohan Rao was called upon to launch a mission to rescue twelve casualties belonging to Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) from Bara-Lacha-La, who were involved in a serious avalanches in snow-bound areas. Wing Cdr Rao detailed himself to under take this difficult mission and lead a section of two Cheetah helicopters for the rescue operations. On the 26th February, 1989, displaying exceptional skill and consummate courage, he crossed Rohtang pass in extremely turbulent weather and landed successfully on the small and snow covered helped at Bara-Lacha-La at an altitude of 16000 feet and evacuated three SASE causalities to Manali. After refueling and unmindful of his personal safety he took off again and landed at Bara-Lacha-La in marginal weather. On the return flight Wg Cdr Rao had on board his co-pilot and three SASE (Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment) casualties. Shortly after getting airborne from Bara-Lacha-La, his helicopter developed sever vibrations and aircraft became almost uncontrollable. It was a grave aircraft emergency aggravated by poor visibility and marginal weather. Using his extraordinary flying skills, he managed to guide the virtually uncontrollable aircraft towards the only available small flattish piece of land on a hill slope. Displaying tremendous courage he managed to turn the helicopter during the last stages of force landing in such a manner that he personally took the major brunt of impact with the hill slope. While all the other occupants survived, Wg Cdr Rao sustained serious injuries and after surviving 12 hours into the sub-zero and treacherous climatic conditions at that high altitude, he succumbed to his injuries.

Wing Commander Chekuri Mohan Rao demonstrated courage and devotion to duty of a very high order and made the supreme sacrifice of his life in the finest tradition of the Air Force.

On the 15th Apr, 1989, Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi was authorized to fly as No. 2 in a tactical formation. The sortie was normal till the aircraft was rolling on to finals. On attempting to roll out of the descending turn Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi experienced jamming of the control column and could not roll out on finals. Showing exceptional alacrity and awareness for his level of experience he correctly operated the servodyne dump value and opened the throttle despite the critically low reaction time available. However he gained only a limited control of the aircraft and was unable to role out of the turn. Faced with the likelihood of the aircraft crashing into a populated village on the approach Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi displayed exemplary courage of an extreme order in staying with the aircraft despite immense danger to himself. He used the limited control available to him to avoid the village and crashed in an open and unpopulated area thus saving a number of lives. Even after crashing, with the aircraft and his own flying clothing in flames Lieutenant Sondhi displayed a remarkable presence of mind, composure and professionalism in exhorting the civilian who arrived on the scene to come to his aid. Lieutenant Sondhi's left ankle was jammed in the crash and displaying commendable resistance to pain and with flames licking at his body he was able to drag his leg out. Literally on fire he was still able to instruct the locals in pulling him out of the burning wreckage. During his ordeal he suffered 45% severe burns and subsequently his left leg was required to be amputated below the knee.

Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi, thus, displayed tremendous courage and presence of mind in a very critical situation.

On the 15th Apr, 1989, Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi was authorized to fly as No. 2 in a tactical formation. The sortie was normal till the aircraft was rolling on to finals. On attempting to roll out of the descending turn Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi experienced jamming of the control column and could not roll out on finals. Showing exceptional alacrity and awareness for his level of experience he correctly operated the servodyne dump value and opened the throttle despite the critically low reaction time available. However he gained only a limited control of the aircraft and was unable to role out of the turn. Faced with the likelihood of the aircraft crashing into a populated village on the approach Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi displayed exemplary courage of an extreme order in staying with the aircraft despite immense danger to himself. He used the limited control available to him to avoid the village and crashed in an open and unpopulated area thus saving a number of lives. Even after crashing, with the aircraft and his own flying clothing in flames Lieutenant Sondhi displayed a remarkable presence of mind, composure and professionalism in exhorting the civilian who arrived on the scene to come to his aid. Lieutenant Sondhi's left ankle was jammed in the crash and displaying commendable resistance to pain and with flames licking at his body he was able to drag his leg out. Literally on fire he was still able to instruct the locals in pulling him out of the burning wreckage. During his ordeal he suffered 45% severe burns and subsequently his left leg was required to be amputated below the knee.

Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi, thus, displayed tremendous courage and presence of mind in a very critical situation.

On the 15th Apr, 1989, Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi was authorized to fly as No. 2 in a tactical formation. The sortie was normal till the aircraft was rolling on to finals. On attempting to roll out of the descending turn Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi experienced jamming of the control column and could not roll out on finals. Showing exceptional alacrity and awareness for his level of experience he correctly operated the servodyne dump value and opened the throttle despite the critically low reaction time available. However he gained only a limited control of the aircraft and was unable to role out of the turn. Faced with the likelihood of the aircraft crashing into a populated village on the approach Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi displayed exemplary courage of an extreme order in staying with the aircraft despite immense danger to himself. He used the limited control available to him to avoid the village and crashed in an open and unpopulated area thus saving a number of lives. Even after crashing, with the aircraft and his own flying clothing in flames Lieutenant Sondhi displayed a remarkable presence of mind, composure and professionalism in exhorting the civilian who arrived on the scene to come to his aid. Lieutenant Sondhi's left ankle was jammed in the crash and displaying commendable resistance to pain and with flames licking at his body he was able to drag his leg out. Literally on fire he was still able to instruct the locals in pulling him out of the burning wreckage. During his ordeal he suffered 45% severe burns and subsequently his left leg was required to be amputated below the knee.

Lieutenant Uday Kumar Sondhi, thus, displayed tremendous courage and presence of mind in a very critical situation.

On 30th January, 1990 Corporal Santosh Kumar Bajpai belonging to a Signal Unit, Air Force at Tejpur, was detailed on temporary duty to another AF station by road. After completion of the task at that place the airman boarded a civil bus at 1330 hours for returning to Rangapara. At about the same time on that day a gang of armed militants looted approximately Rs.1 crore from SBI Rangapara. These armed militants were stranded with their booty at Borjully PWD Road about 3 km from Rangapara as their gateway vehicle had broken down. At this point of time the civil bus carrying Cpl Bajpai SK reached that spot. The standard armed extremists numbering approximately seven stopped the bus at gunpoint and ordered the bus driver to reverse and asked the passengers to get down. Realising that they wanted to use the bus for their escape, Corporal Bajpai SK courageously came forward and refused to get down from the bus while the other passengers disembarked. Cpl Bajpai, on the other hand, ordered the bus driver to drive on the bus to Rangapara. While Cpl Bajpai defied the armed extremists, other passengers watched in mute silence and continued to obey the command of the extremists. Angered at the defiance of Cpl Bajpai, one of the extremists fired at him from point blank range and killed him. Another extremists opened fire indiscriminately inside the bus. By this time one motor cycle and a moped happened to be passing through the site of the incident. In their panic the extremists stopped and took over these two vehicles at gun point and five of the extremists escaped on these two vehicles and other two ran away through the tea garden. The police recovered Rs. 73 lacs from the Ambassador Car broken down at the site of the incident. The civil bus was driven to the Rangapara Railway Hospital with the injured passengers and the dead body of the Cpl Bajpai SK. Had Corporal Bajpai SK not put valiant resistance, the extremists would have easily succeeded in getting away with the booty.

Corporal Santosh Kumar Bajpai, thus, displayed conspicuous bravery and made the supreme sacrifice of his life in public interest.

Sergeant Niranjan Mishra was detailed as takeoff inspector along with another airframe flitter on the 17th May. They both carried out the tyre checks on a MiG-23 BN aircraft and cleared it for take off. The aircraft lined up normally but as soon as reheat was engaged it swung viciously to the left going off the runway. The aircraft finally impacted a blast pen wall, sustained intensive damage and caught fire. Sgt Mishra ran across the runway to the damaged aircraft saw that the pilot was trapped inside the burning aircraft. The nose of the aircraft was smashed , the canopy jammed and the pilot was in an awkward position in a dazed condition. Using great presence of mind Sgt Mishra broke the shattered canopy with a brick and removed the pieces thus making an exit for the pilot. The flames by now had risen to the cockpit and Sgt Mishra unmindful of the danger to himself and with great courage assisted Plt Offr MS Nival to get out of the burning wreckage with minor injuries. Within minutes of the pilot getting out of the cockpit the ejection seat fired, a hazard which Sgt Mishra knew could have fatal consequences for both the pilot and himself carrying out the rescue.

Sgt Mishra, true to the tradition of the Air Force, showed great presence of mind, loyalty and even at the risk of his own life displayed courage and fortitude of the highest order. His timely act of valour and courage beyond the call of the duty saved the life of a young pilot.

On the 4th December, 1991, there was a major fire at the Gwalior Rayon Mills which was caused by the explosion of a chemical boiler and bursting gas cylinders. Due to the explosion and fire, the building had collapsed and a number of people were buried under the debris. The Indian Air Force located there was called upon to assist the rescue work. Within half an hour, three DFTs and ambulance and a SCFT were sent to the site of fire. The Air Force managed to contain the fire despite the fact that there was no direct access to the site. After fire was contained it was noticed that there were a couple of gas cylinders around which were leaking. JWO Raju at grave risk to his own life and unmindful of the danger involved in going near the cylinders, took a chance and approached the cylinders and made them safe. Subsequently, despite the debris and smouldering fire, in total disregard to the danger to his life, he began the operation of clearing the debris and rescuing the people under the collapsed building. JWO Raju displayed courage above and beyond the call of his duty in undertaking a task which was dangerous to his own life.

Junior Warrant Officer Venkata Phani Raju Kala, SC, thus, displayed gallantry of a high order and set an example to others.

On 13th Oct 1992, he was asked to undertake a very dangerous and exacting rescue mission at Pawanoo (HP). The hauling cable of the cable car carrying passengers to Timber Trail resort had snapped and ten passengers were stranded in the cable car hanging at a height of 1300 feet. He took off at about 0800 hours with qualified aircrew and role equipment and landed at Chandimandir at 0850 hours. He very quickly analysed the situation and concluded that the only way the tourist could be evacuated was by the way of winching them out of the cable car. Using his vast experience and exceptional flying ability, he deduced that the helicopter would have to hover precariously close to the set of cables that ran above the cable car. It was one of the hardest decisions he ever made. Gp Capt Major decided to launch the Mi-17 to rescue the stranded tourists. He briefed the crew thoroughly and advised them that the consequences of any lapse would be fatal. He motivated them and raised their morale. He became an integral part of the aircrew and even flew the missions.

Under his supervision, Mi-17 helicopter successfully rescued five stranded tourists on the 14th October 1992 and the remaining tourists were rescued on the next day.

Group Captain Fali Homi Major has thus rendered a yeoman's service by his able leadership and conspicuous courage.

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.

On 11th November, 1992, Wing Commander Viman Kumar Arora, the Commanding Officer (CO), Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Gupta and Sergeant Ramesh Chand, Flight Gunner were on a helicopter flight entrusted with the task of providing logistics support to ONGC at Bombay High.

On the return flight, due to a serious emergency while the helicopter was still over the sea, Wing Commander Arora decided to land the helicopter in the nearest available platform. Suddenly the helicopter experienced a total loss of power and it crashed into the sea. The cockpit was immediately flooded. Wing Commander Arora managed to make good his escape from the rapid sinking helicopter. He was soon followed by Squadron Leader Gupta. In the mean while Sergeant Ramesh Chand had prepared the passengers for a quick exit on impact. He threw out the dingy as soon as the helicopter hit the water but it was pushed back. Sergeant Ramesh Chand, with total disregard to personal safety, assisted seven to eight passengers in getting out the sinking helicopter.

In the meanwhile, Wg Cdr Arora, saw a passenger struggling for his life. He swam across to help him. In the state of panic, the passenger struggled and tried to push Wing Commander Arora, in the process causing injuries to him. Despite this, Wing Commander Arora persisted with his efforts and was able to save the passenger from drowning. Thereafter he saw another passenger struggling for survival. He swam to the passenger and helped the passenger to hold on to him till the help arrived.

On emerging from the cockpit, Squadron Leader Gupta had noticed a passenger shouting for help. He swam across and provided the needed help, thus ensuring the passenger's survival. He then observed the Flight Engineer, the fourth crew member, was injured and in danger. Unmindful of his own safety, Squadron leader Gupta swam across to the Flight Engineer and assisted him to stay afloat.

Wing Commander Viman Kumar Arora, the Commanding Officer (CO), Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Gupta and Sergeant Ramesh Chand, thus, displayed exemplary courage and presence of mind, in saving valuable lives.

On 11th November, 1992, Wing Commander Viman Kumar Arora, the Commanding Officer (CO), Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Gupta and Sergeant Ramesh Chand, Flight Gunner were on a helicopter flight entrusted with the task of providing logistics support to ONGC at Bombay High.

On the return flight, due to a serious emergency while the helicopter was still over the sea, Wing Commander Arora decided to land the helicopter in the nearest available platform. Suddenly the helicopter experienced a total loss of power and it crashed into the sea. The cockpit was immediately flooded. Wing Commander Arora managed to make good his escape from the rapid sinking helicopter. He was soon followed by Squadron Leader Gupta. In the mean while Sergeant Ramesh Chand had prepared the passengers for a quick exit on impact. He threw out the dingy as soon as the helicopter hit the water but it was pushed back. Sergeant Ramesh Chand, with total disregard to personal safety, assisted seven to eight passengers in getting out the sinking helicopter.

In the meanwhile, Wg Cdr Arora, saw a passenger struggling for his life. He swam across to help him. In the state of panic, the passenger struggled and tried to push Wing Commander Arora, in the process causing injuries to him. Despite this, Wing Commander Arora persisted with his efforts and was able to save the passenger from drowning. Thereafter he saw another passenger struggling for survival. He swam to the passenger and helped the passenger to hold on to him till the help arrived.

On emerging from the cockpit, Squadron Leader Gupta had noticed a passenger shouting for help. He swam across and provided the needed help, thus ensuring the passenger's survival. He then observed the Flight Engineer, the fourth crew member, was injured and in danger. Unmindful of his own safety, Squadron leader Gupta swam across to the Flight Engineer and assisted him to stay afloat.

Wing Commander Viman Kumar Arora, the Commanding Officer (CO), Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Gupta and Sergeant Ramesh Chand, thus, displayed exemplary courage and presence of mind, in saving valuable lives.

On 11th November, 1992, Wing Commander Viman Kumar Arora, the Commanding Officer (CO), Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Gupta and Sergeant Ramesh Chand, Flight Gunner were on a helicopter flight entrusted with the task of providing logistics support to ONGC at Bombay High.

On the return flight, due to a serious emergency while the helicopter was still over the sea, Wing Commander Arora decided to land the helicopter in the nearest available platform. Suddenly the helicopter experienced a total loss of power and it crashed into the sea. The cockpit was immediately flooded. Wing Commander Arora managed to make good his escape from the rapid sinking helicopter. He was soon followed by Squadron Leader Gupta. In the mean while Sergeant Ramesh Chand had prepared the passengers for a quick exit on impact. He threw out the dingy as soon as the helicopter hit the water but it was pushed back. Sergeant Ramesh Chand, with total disregard to personal safety, assisted seven to eight passengers in getting out the sinking helicopter.

In the meanwhile, Wg Cdr Arora, saw a passenger struggling for his life. He swam across to help him. In the state of panic, the passenger struggled and tried to push Wing Commander Arora, in the process causing injuries to him. Despite this, Wing Commander Arora persisted with his efforts and was able to save the passenger from drowning. Thereafter he saw another passenger struggling for survival. He swam to the passenger and helped the passenger to hold on to him till the help arrived.

On emerging from the cockpit, Squadron Leader Gupta had noticed a passenger shouting for help. He swam across and provided the needed help, thus ensuring the passenger's survival. He then observed the Flight Engineer, the fourth crew member, was injured and in danger. Unmindful of his own safety, Squadron leader Gupta swam across to the Flight Engineer and assisted him to stay afloat.

Wing Commander Viman Kumar Arora, the Commanding Officer (CO), Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Gupta and Sergeant Ramesh Chand, thus, displayed exemplary courage and presence of mind, in saving valuable lives.

On 26 Nov 92, Flight Lieutenant Anurana Saluja was authorized to fly in a two aircraft parallel quarter attack sortie. During the sortie, he noticed warning lights for both hydraulic systems coming “ON”. Though the pressures indicated normal, he experienced severe longitudinal oscillations which were violent enough to warrant abandoning of aircraft by resorting to an ejection. Instead, he controlled the aircraft promptly in an exceptionally professional and cool manner. He then experienced temporary radio failures, trim failure, abnormal position of the cone system resulting in loss of engine thrust and tachogenerator malfunction giving inaccurate engine power settings. Soon after, he noticed the main pneumatic failure which meant that maximum rate braking, directional control and tail chute operation, on landing, would not be available.

With all these emergencies, the aircraft could have gone out of control, or exploded and crashed at any moment. The situation warranted an ejection by the pilot. Flight Lieutenant Saluja, however, did not eject and handle all the emergencies in a most competent manner. He very gallantly, recovered the aircraft and landed it safely, at the risk to his own life. Flight Lieutenant Saluja not only saved a valuable aircraft but was able to provide vital evidence during investigations which could go a long way in instituting remedial measures for future.

Flight Lieutenant Anurana Saluja, demonstrated technical skill, professional competence and great valour in dealing with emergencies.

Wing Commander Devender Singh Jain was on posted strength of a Jaguar Squadron.

During Squadron detachment at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 17 February 1993, while at take off point, he saw a MiG-21 BIS aircraft crash just outside the perimeter fence; but did not see the pilot eject. He at once transmitted the details to the air traffic control on the radio. He then switched off his aircraft, jumped out and rushed to the crash site after negotiating the double barbed wire airfield fencing and the brimming sewerage drain outside it. He was the first Air Force personnel to reach the crash site. Despite an imminent fire hazard due to a large amount of fuel that had spilled around the crashed aircraft, near its smouldering tail portion, Squadron Leader Jain, along with a civilian, managed to extricate the incapacitated pilot from under the wreckage and provided initial first-aid. He then selected and cleared a site for the rescue helicopter to land, marshalled the crew to a safe landing, and then assisted in putting the injured pilot into the helicopter.

Wing Commander Devender Singh Jain showed outstanding presence of mind, situational awareness and firm resolve in rescuing a fellow officer from crashed aircraft.

Squadron Leader Raj Shekhar Mehta was commissioned in Administration branch of IAF on 28 May 1983. He is Deputy Chief Administration Officer at Air Force Station Tezpur.

On 09 September 1993, a herd of wild elephants entered the camp of Air Force Station Tezpur and lodged themselves in dense forest on the Southern Side of the airfield, close to the runway. Attempts to chase them out of the camp by helicopters were futile as the dense forest not only provided them cover but made it nearly impossible to locate their position. The elephants caused an extensive damage to the communication and electric cables, airfield lightening and security fence. Since the elephants were very close to the runway, the flying was adversely affected. On 20th September 1993, it was decided to drive them by organizing a beat. Squadron Leader Mehta, then Station Security officer was assigned the task. A group of 35 men was assigned to him for this job. The group armed with rifles and drums entered the dense forests from Eastern side at around 0930 hours. By 1130 hours, it had combed ¾ of the jungle and chased the herd to one side. Squadron Leader Mehta led his men, encouraging them constantly during the entire operation. At around 1130 hrs, he was suddenly attacked by an elephant and thrown on the ground. Despite the shock, Squadron Leader Mehta retained his cool and dragged himself away from the direction in which the same elephant was attacking him. In the struggle that ensured, his left thigh was stamped and crushed by the elephant before it moved away from him. Even though seriously injured, he crawled to a distance of nearly 20 feet, picked up his portophone and guided the beat party to chase the herd out. Only on completion of the task, he called up the party for his own rescue. Squadron Leader Raj Shekhar Mehta after the first aid was rushed to the local Base hospital and later shifted to the Eastern Command Hospital at Calcutta for major surgery.

Squadron Leader Raj Shekhar Mehta, thus, displayed courage, determination, initiative and leadership qualities of exceptionally high order. Authority: Notification No. 92-Pres/95 dated 26th January, 1995 published in Part 1, Section 1, Gazette of India dated 11th March 1995.

Squadron Leader Tony Paul Nanda is one of the posted strength of a Chetak/Cheetah Helicopter Flight, Air Force, Since 17 January 94.

On 15th September 94, he was detailed to undertake a causality evacuation mission in a Chetak helicopter from Gota village in Riasi district of J&K state. Being aware that the casualties were hit by bullets fired by Anti National Elements, he took due precautions in approaching and landing at the helipad located at a height of 6000' amsl.

He loaded the two causalities quickly and occupied the Pilot seat. The instant the rotors were engaged, the helicopter was fired away from the hill and was hit. One bullet gazed Squadron Leader Tony Paul Nanda's head. Bleeding profusely and in a dazed condition, he gathered his wits and decided that the best course of action was to get airborne.

He took off amidst a spray of bullets and selected the most suitable escape route. Even in the face of great danger, the safety of his helicopter and passengers was paramount to him. Despite his own injury, instead of landing at a nearest airfield he insisted that the aircraft be flown to Jammu, so that the causalities could reach the civil hospital in time. The sheer professionalism, clarity of thought and exceptional courage displayed by Squadron Leader T P Nanda under such dangerous circumstances is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Tony Paul Nanda, thus, displayed courage, determination, and dedication beyond the call of the duty with utter disregard to his personal safety.

Wing Commander Ajit Singh was posted as the Commanding officer of a helicopter unit on 02 May 1994.

On 15 June 95, Wing Commander Ajit Singh was called upon to airlift three casualties from Masimpur. One of these causalities was an Army Major who had a bullet embedded in his spinal cord and his lower body was already paralyzed. He needed immediate attention of a neurosurgeon. Wing Commander Ajit Singh took off from the base at 1630 hrs under marginal weather conditions. After landing at the Masimpur helipad he was informed that due to unstable condition of the patient, the take off had to be delayed. Realizing that the patient may not survive the road journey, he decided to wait even though it had become dark and the weather had deteriorated. By the time the patients arrived at about 2045 hrs, the entire area was under the grips of severe thunderstorm activity. As any further delay would have almost certainly proved fatal for the patients, Wing Commander Ajit Singh took off from the unlit helipad in total darkness. In spite of heavy odds and extremely trying conditions, he safely landed his helicopter at Khumbhigram at 2120 hrs accomplishing safe evacuation of the causalities.

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

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.

Wg Cdr RS Mann (15434) F (P) is on the posted strength of 131 FAC Flight since 17 Jul 1995 as the Commanding Officer.

On 06 Sep 95 he was tasked to operate a detachment of three helicopters from Manali to carry out rescue and relief duties for the stranded personnel of SASE which had been severely damaged due to floods. He along with his other pilots of the unit undertook the task in a professional manner. During the detachment period, on 12 Sep 1995 at 1330 hrs Wg Cdr Mann received a message from Deputy Commissioner, Kulu that there had been a massive landslide 4 km north of Kulu and that there was a requirement to carry out a aerial recce to assess the damage to life and property. Wg Cdr Mann realized the gravity of the situation and got airborne in Cheetah helicopter with Wg Cdr Natt. On reaching the site he found that the landslide had taken place in a bowl due to the river changing its course. There were electric and telephone cables criss crossing the entire bowl. During the recce he observed two survivors in the river on submerged boulders. He attempted to land the helicopter on a small island between the fast flowing rivers to rescue them but could not do so due to large boulders, tall trees and wires. He quickly assessed the situation and decided that the only way was to physically pull out the two stranded persons for which the helicopter doors had to be removed. Wg Cdr RS Mann picked up Wg Cdr Natt from the island and flew towards the survivors. The helicopter was very carefully and precisely hovered near the survivors and then slowly inched forward and lowered with its skid touching the water. Wg Cdr Natt stood on the skid holding the pilot's seat and pulled up the survivors into the helicopter from the fast flowing river. This was achieved in the third attempt. Another circuit was carried out and the second survivor was pulled out in a similar manner.

Wing Commander Ravindera Singh Mann thus displayed high level of professional competence and courage of high order beyond the call of duty.

Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain was posted with a Helicopter Unit since 19 Dec 94. He was a disciplined and devoted officer of Indian Air Force. During the month of August 1996 Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain was on detachment to carry out air maintenance in OP Meghdoot area. During this period enemy had redeployed the forces in Southern glacier Area and had established new Bunkers at commanding positions directly threatening Indian Army Posts. Accessibility to our posts had also become extremely difficult since helicopter route to the post was under the enemy's constant watch and threat. It was a matter of great concern, since our post could not be air maintained under the circumstances. Withdrawing our forces was considered against the interest of National Security.

It was therefore decided to launch a few dedicated air maintenance stories to maintain crucial posts at Hoshiyar. Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain was detailed Captain of these special missions. He was thoroughly briefed about the risk involved. Notwithstanding the risk, dedicated crew under the Command of Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain undertook the challenging task bravely and intelligently. Two such missions were carried out successfully in spite of enemy's interference. During the third sortie on 26 Aug 96 after the load was dropped helicopter was engaged by the enemy ground forces and shot down killing Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain and his crew.

Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain showed exemplary courage and dedication by undertaking extremely difficult task in the face of known enemy threat and made ultimate sacrifice for the national interest.

Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Khajuria was commissioned in the IAF in September 1989. He is presently posted at a signal Unit in Air Force.

On the night of 2nd March, 1993, while he was working in GCA, from the conversations of the controllers on the duty he learned that an aircraft piloted by Fg Offr SS Chouhan (20996) F(P) had crashed–landed on the side of the runway. He immediately set out for the crash landing site. On reaching the site, which took him about 10 minutes, he observed that fire fighting was in progress and the pilot was still in the cockpit with canopy closed. Notwithstanding the risk of his personal life, he advanced to the canopy to rescue the pilot. The men who were only waiting for such daring leadership also ignored the risk of being engulfed by the fire and joined him in rescuing the pilot who was in unconscious state. The aircraft fuel tank exploded immediately following the rescue.

Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Khajuria, thus, ignoring personal safety appropriate leadership at the time of a crisis saved a life.

Pilot Officer Vaibhav Bhagwat was on the posted strength of 130 Helicopter unit since 22 Jul 96 till 26 Aug 96, when he laid down his life for the country.

Pilot Officer Vaibhav Bhagwat was detailed as a co-pilot for crucial air-maintenance sorties in Op-Meghdoot area during the month of Aug 1996 when enemy had redeployed forces threatening out posts in the area. On 26 Aug 96, a special sortie was undertaken in Mi-17 Helicopter to Hoshiyar post on the Southern Glacier. The post was threatened by enemy fire but air maintenance was planned to drop essential supplies to maintain our troops. After the load was dropped, the helicopter was engaged by enemy ground fire and shot down killing all the occupants.

Pilot Officer Vaibhav Bhagwat displayed exhibiting bravery, courage and devotion to his duty of the highest order and laid down his life for the country in the true tradition of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Mohamed Shajahan Mohamed Nasser (17012) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of 117 Helicopters Unit, Air Force and is performing the duties of Flight Commander since 31 Mar 97.

On the evening of 27 Nov 97 Squadron Leader Nasser was called upon to search and rescue three Snow and Avalanche study Establishment personnel from the snow bound Solang-Beas Kund area. Despite fading light conditions, he located the ground search party along with the lone survivor in an unconscious state. He landed the helicopter in extremely difficult snow bound conditions close to a steep slope. However, due to extremely difficult ground conditions and approaching darkness the ground party could not bring the casualty to the helicopter. Squadron Leader Nasser returned with the first light on the following morning and rescued the lone survivor by hovering over the soft snow with only one skid in ground contact. In subsequent two stories he brought the exhausted ground rescue team members and two dead bodies.

Squadron Leader Mohamed Shajahan Mohamed Nasser thus, displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in the face of highly challenging environment, regardless of his personal safety.

Sukhbir Singh, was on the posted strength of 914 DSC Platoon attached to HQ CAU (U), AF since 05 Apr 97.

While on annual leave in his village Khandsa, Gurgaon (Haryana), Sepoy Sukhbir Singh noticed some thieves stealing items from the godowns of Jaipur Golden Transport Company by breaking the wall. He woke up his four brothers and a neighbour and armed with sticks. They all went to the site of the robbery. They surrounded the godown of the Transport Company as the thieves tried to escape in a Maruti Van. The criminals were brandishing knives and revolvers and warned Sepoy Sukhbir Singh and party not to interfere. Undeterred, Sukhbir Singh caught hold of the driver of the van. In the ensuing scuffle he was fired upon by another person sitting in the rear. The Sepoy was hit in the chest and fell to the ground, seriously wounded. He succumbed to the injury on the way to the hospital.

Sepoy Sukhbir Singh displayed valour in engaging the criminals with scant regard to his own safety and sacrificed his life to save the property which did not belong to him.

On 21st July 99, Squadron Leader Ebenezer was authorized to fly a night flying sortie. The sortie was uneventful till the performance of pre-landing checks on Down Wind, when, on lowering the landing gear, the starboard wheel failed to come down. The wheel remained locked up despite all attempts. The pilot was advised by the Air Traffic control to eject over a safe area. However coolly weighing the options available to him and prudently analysing the inherent risks, the pilot elected to opt for a landing with the main wheels up and only the nose wheel extended even though such an option was fraught with brave risk to his life. Thereafter, Squadron Leader Ebenezer brought the aircraft down safely with the main wheels up, incurring minimal damage. Additionally by this act he facilitated vital evidence for technical investigation to precisely identify the problem and institute remedial measures for the future.

Squadron Leader Santosh Kumar Ebenezer displayed exceptional courage, dogged determination and dedication to duty of a high order in the face of the grave emergency.

Flight Lieutenant Sameer Riaz Kagdi, was on the posted strength of a helicopter unit since 08 Oct 1999. He was an extremely professional flier and a matured officer, who gained the status of glacial captain in Op Meghdoot in a record time of five months. During his short stay of nine months, he flew 350 hours, including 225 hours on the Glacier. On several occasions he flew through enemy shelling to drop supplies to tactically crucial posts at the world's highest helipads. On 04 July 2000, Flt Lt SR Kagdi was detailed to fly as a captain to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO). While flying to DBO, 05 nm short of Goshen, his helicopter experienced collective pitch lever failure and started descending rapidly. He handled this unusual and grave emergency in an extremely professional and competent manner. He selected the most suitable force landing field available and put down the helicopter with only cyclic control. He sustained grievous spinal injuries and fractures during landing. Unmindful of his excessive pain, his accurate and logical analysis of the emergency brought out the factors which gave the Court of Inquiry the requisite direction and made it possible to determine the cause of the failure and instituting remedial actions, thus preventing further recurrence. Flt Lt SR Kagdi succumbed to his injuries and died on 16 July 2000 in Command Hospital, Chandigarh.

Flt Lt SR Kagdi exhibited thoroughbred soldierly attitude, exceptional professional courage and gallantry in face of an unusual grave and emergency and made supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Sergeant Mahender Singh Radio Fitter is on the posted strength of a Squadron located at Bhuj, Gujarat since 24 June 1998.

A devastating earthquake struck Bhuj on 26 Jan 2001. Immediately after the earthquake Sgt M Singh rushed to Shivnagar of Bhuj where a number of Air Force personnel were staying in multistoried buildings. Risking his own life several times at different occasions, even when the after shocks were continuing, he went underneath the crumpled buildings, broken water tanks and falling structures to rescue the lives of wife and daughter of late Sgt Awasthi, wife of Sgt Rajput, wife of Cpl DP Singh and others trapped inside at different places. While saving lives of eight Air force personnel and their family members, he not only displayed unmatched courage and valour but also sharp presence of mind and intelligence. Efforts required to clear off the debris and take out people alive from inside were trying and stressful in the absence of proper tools and implements. However, he used innovative methods and preserved in rescue work to save human lives from debris. Without losing heart and hope, he worked continuously day and night for five days with little rest and care for him. His timely efforts, selfless attitude and zealous approach motivated others to contribute in the rescue operations thus saving more lives.

Sergeant Mahender Singh displayed exemplary bravery, courage and selfless devotion in saving human lives.

Corporal Suresh Chintalapati was on the posted strength of a Squadron located at Bhuj, Gujarat since 30 Mar 1999. On the morning of 26 Jan 2001, a devastating earthquake hit Bhuj where in a lot of buildings collapsed, trapped people within them. Immediately after the earthquake Cpl Suresh took the job of rescuing people trapped under the rubble. He rushed to Ashapura Apartment, a multistoried building in Shanti Nagar area of Bhuj, which had collapsed trapping many families of airmen and civilians. With make shift tools and bare hands, he made passage through a small opening in the rubble and risking his life rescued four children. Thereafter, he proceeded to the next building and tunneled through the rubble to pull out a small child the only surviving child of late Corporal Thapa. In another building nearby he rescued three civilians. Then he moved to Shiv Nagar apartments where many people were trapped in the debris. For the next four days, he worked in this apartment and helped in locating and rescuing about fourteen trapped persons. It was his initiative and sheer courage, which saw him repeatedly going under the debris to extricate trapped persons and all this when tremors were still being experienced. Due to his immense patience and indomitable will, four persons were extricated on 30 Jan 2001. His heroic efforts and never day die attitude resulted in rescue of 24 Air Force personnel and civilians.

Corporal Suresh displayed indomitable courage, grit and outmost commitment in saving precious human lives.

Corporal Mohammed Javed Radio Fitter was on the posted strength of a Squadron located at Bhuj, Gujarat since 25 Nov 1997. A devastating earthquake struck Bhuj on 26 Jan 2001. Immediately after the earthquake Corporal Javed commenced rescue operation within the Air Force Camp. Working with basic implements as hacksaw blades and crowbars, he made a passage through the rubble of one building and pulled out the two surviving members of a family. Quickly moving on to another building, he pulled out wife of Corporal D Singh and wife of Sgt VS Yadav. Thereafter he proceeded outside the Air Force Camp to Vaibhav Lakshmi Apartments at Shivnagar area. Even as after shocks continued, he worked through the mangled steels and concrete of the multi-storey complex to locate survivors. Unmindful of physical exhaustion and personal risk, he kept breaking concrete and cutting through steel rods to extricate the living. On 26 Jan 2001 itself, he pulled out seven survivors from the site. On 27 Jan 2001, he pulled out one more women from beneath of debris of Gayatri Complex in Shivnagar. On 29 Jan 2001, he extricated the last survivor in Kaveri complex, an infant child. He repeatedly put his life at risk to save others. Thus working selflessly, he saved 14 lives.

Corporal Mohammed Javed displayed courage of high order in undertaking rescue operations at great risk to his own life.

Corporal Sanjeev Kumar Arora is on the posted strength of a squadron located at Bhuj, Gujarat since 25 Oct 1999. A devastating earthquake struck Bhuj on 26 Jan 2001. Immediately after the earthquake Cpl SK Arora commenced rescue operations. Working day and night, almost non-stop and with great risk to his own life, he saved 14 precious lives over the next four days. On hearing voices from the rubble of Vaibhav Lakshmi Apartments in Shivnagar area that had come crashing down, he created a narrow passage by using only basic implements like crowbars and hacksaw and located two couples. Even as after-shocks continued and parts of wrecked building continued to fall down, Cpl Arora worked continuously for long hours unmindful of his own safety and pulled out Sgt Tripathi SS, his wife, Sgt Roy Chaudhary and his wife. On their information he continued digging and at late night, pulled out a small girl child followed by her father. Cpl Arora continued to work on the same site on 27 Jan 2001. Tunneling down narrow passengers dug through the rubble, he pulled out five more survivors from Gayatri Apartments in Shivnagar. On 28 and 29 Jan 2001, Cpl Arora saved three more lives including Sgt KT Prasad's wife from Kaveri Apartments.

Corporal Sanjeev Kumar Arora displayed immense courage and unflinching commitment and saved lives of others at great risk to his own life.

Leading Aircraftsman Amar Kumar Bajpai was on the posted strength of a squadron at Bhuj, Gujarat since 18 Jun 2000. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Bhuj on 26 Jan 2001, Leading Aircraftsman Bajpai immediately rushed to Shivnagar area of Bhuj, where number of Air Force personnel were staying in multistoried buildings. Risking his own life several times at different occasions and even as tremors continued, he went inside the broken buildings and hanging structures to rescue the lives of nine people including airmen and civilians. With no tools and instruments to work he used innovative methods to save human lives from the debris. Efforts required were arduous and stressing but without losing heart and hope, he worked continuously day and night for 5 days with little rest and care for himself. His timely efforts, selfless attitude and zealous approach motivated others to contribute in saving more lives.

Leading Aircraftsman Amar Kumar Bajpai displayed exemplary courage and selfless commitment in saving human lives.

Leading Aircraftman Arvind Kumar was on the posted strength of a squadron at Bhuj since 28 Jan 2000. On the morning of 26 Jan 2001, a devastating earthquake hit Bhuj wherein a lot of buildings collapsed, trapping people within them. Immediately after the earthquake Leading Aircraftman Arvind Kumar rushed to the affected residential quarters within the Air Force Camp and commenced rescue operation. With raw courage, make shift tools and bare hands, he made passage through a small opening in the rubble and rescued a girl. Then he proceeded to the collapsed DSC quarters where some people where trapped inside. Again, with grit and indomitable will he tunneled through the rubble to pull out two persons. For the next four days, he was instrumental in locating and rescuing 12 trapped persons. It was his initiative and sheer courage which saw him repeatedly going under the debris to extricate persons trapped within and all this when tremors were still being experienced. During this he succeeded in taking out a child by cutting leg from dead body under which the child was trapped. On 29 and 30 Jan 2001 when hope of locating and rescuing live persons was diminishing. LAC Kumar showed a high degree of perseverance and continued working untiringly. His efforts paid of, when a girl child was rescued alive on 30 Jan 2001. His heroic efforts and never say die attitude resulted in rescue of 20 Air Force personnel and civilians.

Leading Aircraftman Arvind Kumar displayed courage of high order and utmost commitment for saving precious human lives.

Leading Aircraftsman Rajeev Bhardwaj is on the posted strength of a squadron located at Bhuj, Gujarat since 31 Jan 2000. A devastating earthquake struck Bhuj on 26 Jan 2001 after the earthquake LAC Bhardwaj immediately set out to rescue survivors. Working tirelessly over the next four days, he saved 16 lives. On 26 Jan 2001, while the tremors continued, LAC Bhardwaj worked his way into the rubble of four multistoried apartments complexes in Shivnagar area and rescued five women, two children and two men. From 27 Jan 2001 to 29 Jan 2001, LAC Bhardwaj worked tirelessly and rescued Sgt Sharma RP and his family, a man, his wife and a teen-aged girl from Taxila Apartments in Shivnagar area. On 29 Jan 2001 he recovered a child after a struggle of six hours. As days passed by the task became all the more difficult. Bodies had started decaying and the probability of finding the survivors kept reducing. However, LAC Bhardwaj continued with the same zeal and dogged determination. Overcoming all hurdles and bracing the aftershocks, LAC Bhardwaj saved 16 lives from Shivnagar and Gandhinagri area.

Leading Aircraftsman Rajeev Bhardwaj displayed unparalleled courage, determination and commitment in saving others lives even at a risk of his own life.

On 22 Oct 2001, at 1330 hr, four Pakistani terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba, who were armed, attacked the main gate of the Air Force Station Awantipora. Their aim was to gain access inside The Air Force Station and create havoc by destroying Aircraft, Missile Complexes and to create panic amongst personal and their families. The terrorists were armed with AK-47 assault rifles and high explosive had grenades.

NC(E) Prakash, SG was on duty at the main gate. On sighting the intruders, he challenged them to their identity and refused to open the gate. On further jostling by the terrorist, he raised the alarm to alert the sentries on duty realizing the impending danger to his life. He was shot at from point blank range, but he continued to obstruct the intruders from gaining access into the Main Guard Room and succumbed to the terrorist bullets. NC(E) Prakash attained martyrdom and laid down his life to facilitate the security forces to take vantage position to vanquish the terrorists. He displayed exceptional courage and acted in the best traditions of the Air Warriors at The Indian Air Force.

NC(E) Prakash Shivaji Gangvane displayed conspicuous valour, raw courage, presence of mind and sacrificed his life while eliminating the terrorists.

On 22 Oct 2001, at 1330 hrs, four Pakistani terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba, who were armed, attacked the main gate of the Air Force Station Awantipora. Their aim was to gain access inside The Air Force Station and create havoc by destroying Aircraft, Missile Complexes and to create panic amongst personal and their families. The terrorists were armed with AK-47 assault rifles and high explosive had grenades.

Sep Satish Barde was on duty at the SLR DSC post at the time of attack. Through his keen sense of alertness, he reacted to the situation immediately and alerted the other two guards of his post. He instantly opened fire from his SLR towards the vehicle from where the terrorists initially opened fire. He restricted the advancement of the terrorists towards the main gate by seriously injuring two of them through his concentrated firepower. He positioned himself strategically in his post amidst heavy fire and inflicted casualties on the terrorists. Unmindful of the risk to his own life, he relentlessly continued to direct the firepower and guide the people in action on to the terrorists till all of them were killed. Had the terrorists gained the access inside the station it would have been catastrophic for the Air Base.

Sep Satish Barade displayed conspicuous valour, raw courage and presence of mind while eliminating the terrorists.

On 26 December 2004, Air Force Station Carnicobar was devastated by a severe earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale, lasting for ten to fifteen minutes, followed by Tsunami waves. As the disaster struck, Group Captain Bandopadhay, unmindful of his personal safety, rushed to all accessible areas of Air Force Station exhorting and guiding people to move to safer areas. While moving around the Station , he met the CO of Helicopter unit and requested him to immediately launch a helicopter sortie. This led to prompt rescue operation and ultimately saved hundreds of lives. In the process, he also entered a submerged area to rescue a stranded child. Even as huge Tsunami waves were approaching the area, he took several women and children in his vehicle and dropped them to a safer place. In process, he was hit by the wave and washed away. He somehow managed to hold on to a tree for a couple of hours to save his life. As water receded, he continued his mission of search and rescue and providing succor to devastated people.

Throughout he displayed exemplary courage and fortitude.

On 26 December 2004, Air Force Station was devastated by a severe earthquake which was followed by Tsunamis. Squadron Leader Panickar could not escape the fury and was washed away by the tidal waves. He held on for his life on a tree trunk, which was adrift for nearly an hour before reaching the safety of firm ground.

Immediately after surviving the onslaught of Tsunami waves, he organized rescue teams and started the arduous task of looking for survivors and recovering and identifying the bodies of the deceased. He personally went to several submerged areas to look for survivors. Looking for survivors in an area strewn with debris, unstable buildings, reptiles and a coastline redefined by the tsunami was a task, which required any individual to draw immensely from this internal resource of courage. Squadron Leader Sudhakar was among the very few who dared to undertake this task with total disregard for his personal safety. He subsequently organized the panic stricken surviving personnel, families and civilians into manageable groups so that a “headcount” could be carried out and medical aid/food could be distributed to those who needed it urgently. For the next few days, Squadron Leader Sudhakar took on the extremely difficult task of identification, documentation and cremation of the bodies. Handling bodies in advanced stages of decomposition is a task, which does not draw many volunteers. Squadron Leader Sudhakar was able to motivate a team of officers and airmen to assist him in this unpleasant task.

Squadron Leader Pulluvallyil Raman Sudhakar Panickar displayed exemplary courage and gallantry beyond call of duty in the face of severe adversity.

On 26 December 2004, Air Force Station Carnicobar was devastated by a severe earthquake which was followed by Tsunamis. On noticing the increasing waves, Squadron Leader Tammeneni Srinivasulu, immediately started warning others and advised them to move towards the runway, as it was comparatively higher. During this process of helping others, he himself went into chest deep turbulent waters, thereby risking his own life.

After extricating himself, he started moving towards the runway when he heard some cries for help. He personally went to several submerged areas to look for survivors to help them. Looking for survivors in an area strewn with debris, unstable buildings and coastline redefined by tsunami was a task, which required any individual to draw immensely from his internal resource of courage. He re-entered the waters and rescued some of the survivors, mostly ladies and children, who were hanging on trees and moved them to the safety of high ground. After ensuring safety of the people he had rescued, he began to look for others who might still be alive. In the process, he sustained several injuries including a deep cut on his foot. Undeterred by the injuries and the turbulent waters, Squadron Leader Srinivasulu continued his search and was able to recover three bodies on the first day, before they could be washed back to the sea.

Squadron Leader Tammeneni Srinivasulu displayed exemplary moral and physical courage in the service of mankind with total disregard to his personal safety in the face of sever adversity.

On 26 December 2004, Air Force Station Car Nicobar was devastated by a severe earthquake followed by Tsunamis. In a short span of time, the dangerous wave engulfed the area. Flight Lieutenant Arisetty Vijay Kumar realizing the danger of the devastating waves risked his life for saving the personnel. He rushed to stranded personnel and led them to the runway, which was the highest point on the airfield, knowing that any delay could have endangered his own life. His courageous and brave actions helped to save the life of many personnel. After the devastating Tsunami the entire Air Force Station was in a great trauma due to massive loss of lives and property. Buildings had collapsed and trees uprooted. Immediately after that Flight Lieutenant Vijay Kumar started up a helicopter expeditiously for rescue mission. Flying as Co-Pilot to the Commanding Officer, under difficult flying conditions and limited safety margins, he displayed courage of a very high order and continued with rescue, despite risk to his own life. He flew for three hours continuously. Undeterred by fatigue and the danger of flying in extreme adverse conditions, Flight Lieutenant Vijay Kumar undertook the rescue tasks despite all odds and difficulties. Though the safety margins for flying were dangerously low, he dared to fly and winched up stranded personnel from rooftops, balconies and radar ramp where the area was extremely restricted. His actions in the face of natural calamity were a morale booster to others who emulated him in further rescuing the personnel.

Flight Lieutenant Arisetty Vijay Kumar displayed raw courage, gallantry and selfless devotion to the fellow beings, in the face of heavy odds in a natural disaster.

On 26 December 2004 at 0630 hours, Carnicobar was hit by severe Earthquake followed by Tsunami. During and after the Tsunami onslaught, Squadron Leader Sushil Vijay Sansare was involved in saving lives and organizing safe conduct of rescue and relief operations. After being hit by the first wave, he courageously waded through the chest deep water to help the stranded families in the buildings. Upon being hit by the second wave, he barely managed to evade the neck deep water and save his life by running towards tarmac. He instructed the crew to position the aircraft on the runway. He then went towards the submerged end of the runway entering into neck deep reptile infested water and helped 15 stranded families mostly ladies and children to the safety of high ground. He recovered two personnel almost dead and brought them towards ambulance, however inspite of his best efforts, they could not be revived. With the help of Sqn ground crew, the body of IOC manager was brought back from the rubble.

He organized the ATC personnel to recover all the communication equipment and fuel tankers immediately to the tarmac to refuel the helicopters towards uninterrupted rescue operations and for airlifting the stranded people. His relentless efforts toward search and rescue and total involvement in casualty evacuation/relief operations resulted in saving many lives. It aptly exhibited sense of 'Service Before Self'.

Squadron Leader Sushil Vijay Sansare, thus, showed exceptional courage and gallantry beyond call of duty, in saving lives in the face of natural disaster.

Wing Commander Alagaraja Perumal was tasked on a vital Photographic Reconnaissance mission on 21st May, 1999 near the Line of Control over Dras, Kargil and Batalik sectors with two MiG-29 aircraft as escorts.

During the mission, at about 0900 hours, after photographing Batalik sector, he experienced a violent jolt accompanied by uncontrolled yaw and roll. The escort aircraft reported bright flash along with debris flying off and smoke emanating from recce aircraft's starboard engine. The aircraft had been hit by a missile. Despite the grave, life threatening situation, Wing Commander Perumal maintained his cool and displaying exceptional skill and courage, he managed to exit the threat zone. One of the engines was completely lost and the aircraft had suffered severe damage. Radio reception was garbled and intermittent, he could not hear the extent of damage caused by missile hit. The aircraft was behaving abnormally by yawing and rolling violently. Even in this dangerous situation, Wing Commander Perumal decided not to abandon the aircraft but retrieve the valuable equipment and above all the precious “mission photographs” on board. He took a daring decision of recovering crippled aircraft to the nearest airfield at Srinagar. He controlled the aircraft and kept in his cool inspite of the requirement of continuous descent to maintain speed over the hilly terrain. He displayed exceptional courage, determination and flying skill in controlling a crippled asymmetric powered aircraft for 45 minutes before executing a landing at Srinagar.

Wing Commander Alagaraja Perumal displayed gallantry and extraordinary professional courage in recovering damaged aircraft in total disregard to his personal safety.

Sergeant Jai Praksah Shukla was on posted strength of Pechora Squadron at Air Force Station, Utterlai (Barmer). Barmer district experienced incessant rains and flash floods. On 23rd August, 2006, Sergeant Shukla along with others Air Warriors of the unit proceeded to surrounding villages to assist the families of some civilians working at the Station.

While returning, some villagers requested Air Warrior to rescue four persons perched on top and struggling for life in the flood. The task of rescuing the persons from dangerously high levels of the turbulent flood waters was extremely challenging and evidently hazardous. While other members of the team did not dare to enter torrential current of flood waters, Sergeant Shukla in true tradition of a soldier, readily volunteered to rescue these four persons. He swam in the strong current in 20 feet deep flood waters, with the single minded purpose of rescuing the helpless persons, who were under the threat of being washed away. However, after swimming for about 100 meters, he got sucked down in the swirling water and could not extricate himself. His body was recovered after two days.

Sergeant Jai Prakash Shukla displayed extraordinary courage and valour in extreme circumstances and made the supreme sacrifice while trying to save fellow citizens.

Wing Commander Anil Kumar and Wing Commander Rahul Monga were detailed as crew of an IAF microlight aircraft for proceeding on a “'Round-the-world” expedition from 01 June 2007 to 19 August 2007. The expedition flew 10,529 Km, landed at 85 destinations in 19 countries and created a new world record of circumnavigating the world in 80 days, battering the previous world record of 99 days. The mission was flown in a single engine unpressurised aircraft weighing less than 300 Kg, without any redundancy features.

Both the officers faced adverse weather, unfamiliar operating environment and harsh terrain ranging from sub-zero Arctic to scorching deserts and tropical rainforests knowing fully well that survival in case of any eventuality would have been extremely challenging. In these harsh conditions both the officers not only displayed exceptional courage but also professionalism and airmanship of an extremely high order. Inspite of facing severe weather and life threatening technical malfunctions in the small aircraft they continued steadfast in his task despite the risk to their lives, with the aim of bringing glory to the nation and to the IAF.

Wing Commander Anil Kumar and Wing Commander Rahul Monga, thus, displayed thoroughbred soldierly attitude, and conspicuous gallantry in the face of highly challenging task.

Wing Commander Anil Kumar and Wing Commander Rahul Monga were detailed as crew of an IAF microlight aircraft for proceeding on a “'Round-the-world” expedition from 01 June 2007 to 19 August 2007. The expedition flew 10,529 Km, landed at 85 destinations in 19 countries and created a new world record of circumnavigating the world in 80 days, battering the previous world record of 99 days. The mission was flown in a single engine unpressurised aircraft weighing less than 300 Kg, without any redundancy features.

Both the officers faced adverse weather, unfamiliar operating environment and harsh terrain ranging from sub-zero Arctic to scorching deserts and tropical rainforests knowing fully well that survival in case of any eventuality would have been extremely challenging. In these harsh conditions both the officers not only displayed exceptional courage but also professionalism and airmanship of an extremely high order. Inspite of facing severe weather and life threatening technical malfunctions in the small aircraft they continued steadfast in his task despite the risk to their lives, with the aim of bringing glory to the nation and to the IAF.

Wing Commander Anil Kumar and Wing Commander Rahul Monga, thus, displayed thoroughbred soldierly attitude, and conspicuous gallantry in the face of highly challenging task.

On 11 April 2007, Squadron Leader Basu was detailed for an air logistic sortie to Amar helipad located on the Siachen Glacier, as the leader in two aircraft formation. Flying over this vast frozen ice mass entails flying in the extremes of climatic conditions over exceedingly inhospitable terrain.

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. Sqn Ldr Basu maintained his cool in the unusual emergency and handled the situation in a competent manner displaying a high degree of professionalism. He asked his copilot to keep a close check on the engine parameters and initially tried to recover the aircraft by reducing the power demand smoothly. The engine jet pipe temperature (JPT) also shot up. Unfortunately, the JPT failed to respond to the emergency actions by the pilot and the aircraft contintued to lose height. He therefore took the highly courageous decision of attempting to force land across the Actual Ground Position Line. However, due to the absence of a suitable force landing field in the harsh, snow bound and sloping terrain, the helicopter crashed having no chance of survival of the crew.

Squadron Leader Shantanu Basu displayed exceptional courage and gallantry in the face of imminent death in dangerous circumstances beyond the call of duty.

On 02 September 2007, Squadron Leader Pranay Kumar was detailed as an additional pilot for a rescue mission. The mission entailed winching up of a citizen stranded in the middle of a gorge of Chambal river affected by flash floods. The prevailing conditions of total darkness were not conducive for operations with unaided vision. The crew took a decision to proceed with the mission on Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) which provided them with better situational awareness.

When the winch cradle was lowered, the survivor could not strap himself to the winch due to extreme fatigue caused by battling the water currents for over six hours. At this juncture, Sqn Ldr Pranay Kumar immediately volunteered to go down to rescue the survivor. Knowing fully well the perils to his own life, he briefed the Flight Gunners on emergency signals and got lowered in the gorge. He guided the crew of the helicopter using hand signals and inspite the darkness and strong water current, managed to reach the survivor. On reaching the survivor he realised that the space was insufficient to get down for strapping the survivor to the harness. He instantly look the decision to physically tie the survivor to himself. Having done this while being half immersed in the strong flow of the water, he gripped the survivor and holding onto him tightly, signalled the Flight Gunner to winch them up. Using all the physical strength that he could muster, Sqn Ldr Pranay Kumar success fully held onto the survivor till the end of the rescue operation.

Squadron Leader Pranay Kumar displayed extra ordinary courage and valouy in adverse circumstances while trying to save the lives of fellow citizens.