Squadron Leader Vinod Behari Mathur was commissioned in December 1960. He was posted to an operational unit from 30th January 1967. He is the only qualified Alouette Pilot in this Centre. During his tenure of over 3 years, Squadron Leader Mathur has flown over 200 hours. In 1969-70, the unit undertook certain operations in NEFA. They involved helicopter landings at altitudes upto 11,000 feet at helipads for below the required standards. Inspite of these hazards, Squadron Leader Mathur undertook operational and support flights regularly to and from these helipads, displaying great courage and devotion to duty. But for the logistic support rendered by this pilot, many important operations would not have been feasible.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Vinod Behari Mathur displayed professional skill, courage and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 21 Jun. 69, He has flown a total 4269 hours on transport/helicopters. He was selected for deputation to the Aviation Research Centre of the Directorate General of Security as Junior Captain and assumed his duties on 13 April 81 at an Advanced Air Base of this Centre

On 22 Jul 83, the Commander at Doom Dooma received a wireless message stating that an officer of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau stationed at Taksing in NEFA hills had met with a serious accident resulting in cerebral injury and fractures of the arm. He was reported to be in a serious condition hovering between life and death. Immediate evacuation was asked for.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi was detailed to undertake this casualty evacuation task. Flying a Chetak helicopter to Taksing from Doom Dooma during this part of the year because of active monsoon conditions and associated turbulent weather demands determination, dedication and flying skill of high order.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi with courage and determination negotiated the weather and turbulence and reached the helipad at Taksing at 1230 hours IST. With exemplary flying skill and devotion to task in hand, he carried out the rescue attempt. He was successful in his mission and evacuated the casualty to Tezpur safely.

For his devotion to duty with complete disregard to personal safety and comfort, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi.

Wing Commander Avtar Singh (9040) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 25 Dec 64. He flew a total of 5427 hours during his service career of which 3042 hours were on AN-12 aircraft alone. During his flying career, Wing Commander Avtar Singh operated over treacherous terrains both in the Ladakh and in the Eastern Sector in difficult weather conditions.

Wing Commander Avtar Singh was posted to the Aviation Research Centre on deputation on 06 May 86. On 08 Mar 88 while Captain-in-command of an AN-12 aircraft, No. 3 engine caught fire shortly after take off. He demonstrated professional skill of an extremely high order in handling the emergency. As shown by recorded evidence on tape, he maintained his usual calm throughout and provided necessary guidance to his crew to fight the fire which was engulfing the aircraft. Though the aircraft was in a very critical state it was entirely due to his leadership that the crew continued to operate as a cohesive team without any trace of panic. For reasons beyond the control of the Captain and the crew the starboard wing of the aircraft disintegrated and the aircraft crashed on approached only about 5 nautical miles from the runway killing all on board the aircraft.

In recognition of his past professio- nal record, his excellent professional skill and the leadership provided by him to his crew under very adverse circumstances in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Avtar Singh posthumously.