Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Narayan Sapre was involved in planning and execution of Helicopter Operations in support of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka from the beginning. On the night of 11th/12th October 1987, Wing Commander Sapre led the night Special Heliborne operations comprising four Mi-8 aircraft. He successfully carried out the entire mission landing the troops at the designated helipad, which was under heavy fire by the militants. However, since this was a critical mission, he displayed outstanding grit and courage and completed three successful missions. Through, heavy damage was caused to his helicopter, Wing Commander Sapre quickly assessed the situation and flew back the aircraft to base with great skill.

Wing Commander VKN Sapre has flown 150 sorties in the area out of which 76 have been flown during the current hostile phase.

Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Narayan Sapre thus displayed conspicuous gallantry and professional competence in the face of militants.

Squadron Leader Thirumangalath Kattil Vinay Raj carried extensive flying in Jaffana Peninsula during the month of October 1987 as a part of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operation. On the night of 11/12 October 1987, during the course of high Special Heliborne Operation, Squadron Leader Vinay Raj was the Captain of No. 2 aircraft in four aircraft formation, detailed for a special mission. He was responsible for successfully landing three missions at the designated helipad, which was under heavy fire by the militants. During this operation the helicopter received extensive damage but Squadron Leader Vinay Raj was able to fly the helicopter back to base safely.

Squadron Leader Thirumangalath Kattil Vinay Raj thus displayed conspicuous gallantry in the face of heavy militant firing.

On the night of 11th/12th October, 1987, Wing Commander Doraisami was the Captain of an aircraft in four-aircraft formation detailed for special mission. He carried out three successful missions for landing troops in a helipad, which was totally surrounded by the militants. The helicopter came under fire and was extensively damaged. Undaunted Wing Commander Doraisami assessed the damage and flew back the helicopter to base.

Wing Commander Daniel Rajkumar Doraisami thus displayed conspicuous gallantry in the face of militants ground firing thereby saving valuable aircraft.

Flight Lieutenant Vishwanath Prakash formed part of Indian Air Force element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. On the night of 11th/12th October 1987, he was the Captain of helicopter in a four aircraft formation and involved in the critical Special Heliborne Operation. Despite being comparatively junior in service and relatively inexperienced, he showed determination and grit of a very high order. He successfully carried out three missions during the night. The helipad was under heavy fire by the militants and his helicopter suffered extensive damage but Flight Lieutenant Vishwanath Prakash managed to fly it back to base safely.

Flight Lieutenant Vishwanath Prakash showed exceptional courage in the face of militants’ ground fire.

Squadron Leader Rajbir Singh served in the Indian Air Force element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. On 3rd November 1987 Squadron Leader Singh was detailed to strike the militant strongholds which were impeding the advance of a para commando Regiment towards Mulai. On reaching the area he was directed to attack a stronghold which was heavily defended with heavy machine guns. In spite of heavy ground fire he carried out repeated front gun attacks with deadly accuracy. During his third attack on a machine gun nest the aircraft was hit by ground fire. After pulling out of the attack he noticed that the left engine was damaged and had heavy oil leak. He immediately switched off the left engine and established flight on single engine to avoid engine fire. Though the aircraft was heavily loaded with ammunition, he decided not to jettison the much needed armament stores. Squadron Leader Rajbir Singh realized that he was flying over a very hostile area and forced landing would result in getting captured by the militants. He kept absolutely calm and nursed the aircraft back in a very professional manner. He tried to contact base on Radio Telephony but the Radio set had also been damaged due to ground fire. In spite of heavy traffic over base, he landed the aircraft on a single engine without causing any damage to the aircraft.

Squadron Leader Rajbir Singh thus displayed conspicuous gallantry and professional competence in the face of the militant ground fire.