Group Captain Brijendra Mohan Bali (8438) Flying (Pilot) is posted as the officer commanding of a fighter Reconnaissance Squadron since Sep 86.

He has over 3400 hrs of flying to his credit. He is graduate of Defence Service Staff College and has vast experience of staff and operational appointments. He had taken part in 1965 and 1971 indo-Pak conflict and had flown a number of Air Defence Close Support and Counter Air Operational missions.

To ensure his effectiveness in the Squadron, he converted himself onto the new type of aircraft and attained fully operational status within two months as against a normal time frame of six months. Through meticulous planning and personal involvement he raised the performance of his squadron to unprecedented levels not withstanding the constraints of manpower and equipment. During his tenure the Squadron had been tasked for maximum operational deployment.

During 1987-88, he personally led several photo reconnaissance and Elint Missions deep into operational areas with significant results. Gp Capt Bali and his Sqn undertook these missions with total disregard of the inherent risks and thus provided invaluable information for ensuring national security.

For his professionalism, exceptional qualities of keenness, determination and a very high degree of leadership displayed by him in the face of enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to GP Capt BM Bali.

Group Captain Ranjit Kumar Pal (8666) Flying (Pilot) took over the command of a transport squadron on 26 May 86. He has held Transport aircrew category and instrument rating A/Master Green since Sep 73 and is at present command examiner for Chitra aircraft of an Operational command.

He has on several occasions captained aircraft carrying VVIPs and VIPs including visiting head of states. During this tenure he flew 955 hrs on TU-124 and 3073 hrs on HS - 748 aircraft.

As Commanding Officer of the transport squadron since May 86, GP Capt Pal motivated all his offices and airmen to achieve all round improvement. A keen flier himself, the officer has set an excellent personal example for his subordinates to emulate.

Under Gp Capt Pal's Stewardship the Squadron achieved a service ability state which is higher than the average fleet serviceability of the IAF for Chitra aircraft. The Squadron achieved 100% serviceability for a total of 36 days. During "OPERATION PAWAN" the unit flew a total of 967 hours from Jul to Dec 87.

Gp Capt Pal's able leadership also resulted in the Squadron winning the second position in the Command for the flight Safety achievements in 1987-88. During the same period the Squadron was adjudged the second best transport squadron of the command.

For his continued professional competence and extreme devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Gp Capt Ranjit Kumar Pal.

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.

Wing Commander Biswajit Mukerjee (10885) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 04 Jan 67. He is a fighter pilot and a qualified flying instructor with approximately 3500 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

He took over the command of Thunder Bolts Squadron in Jul 85. With determined effort, within a short time, he was able to make the entire squadron fully proficient in its operational tasks in the Siachen and Leh areas and was also able to maintain a fully operational permanent detachment of Hunter aircraft at the high altitude Leh airfield for two years. In spite of the Units aircraft almost 30 years old, Squadron attained 100% serviceability of its aircraft during 1986 due to his sustained efforts.

In the formation aerobatic role, Wg Cdr Mukherjee with his inspired leadership, constant training, practice and close personal involvement, built up a composite 9 aircraft team. During the period, the team demonstrated their professionalism and competence in carrying out precision formation aerobatic flying with split second manoeuveres in a number of displays throughout the country.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, total dedication, excellent leadership and professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Biswajit Mukherjee.

Wing Commander Sudhir Sah (11648) Flying (Pilot) is the Commanding Officer of a helicopter Squadron since 07 Dec 87. On 29 Jun 88, Wg Cdr Sudhir Sah was tasked for casualty evacuation of Mrs. Kirti Bala Elies, a pilgrim of Kailash Mansarovar yatra from Tukhlaket, the Tibet region of China. However, owing to continuous bad weather till 07 Jul 77 several attempts for the evacuation proved futile. The weather showed slight improvement on 08 Jul 88. By then the pilgrims had started their return journey and Wg Cdr Sah was informed that Mrs. Elias, who was carried on a stretcher, would be crossing the Lipulekh pass, at a height of approximately 17000 above sea level, on the Sino-Indian border at about 1130 hours. Wg Cdr Sah took off in a Cheetah with Wg Cdr NK Upadhayay as his co-pilot and reconnoitered the Lipulekh pass area to find a suitable place to land. However, owing to steep gradient and extremely hostile terrain the helicopter could not be landed. Keeping in view the nature of injuries received by Mrs. Elias, Wg Cdr Sudhir Sah displaying exceptional professional skill and perfect crew coronation and understanding brought the helicopter to hover above the ground. He then asked his co­pilot to jump out of the helicopter and help the casualty with the assistance of other pilgrims. Such a task demands thorough competence, skilful handling and above all, courage. Evacuation of Mrs. Kirti Bala Elias is yet another land mark in the history of the Indian Air Force.

For his exemplary courage, selfless devotion to duty and display of exceptional professional skill in the finest traditions of the Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr. Sudhir Sah.

Wing Commander Vishwanathan Pasupathi (10887) Flying (Pilot) was posted as the Officer Commanding of a fighter squadron with effect from 05 Mar 86. The Squadron was then equipped with Badal aircraft and Located in Eastern Sector. The Squadron was subsequently selected to convert into Baaz aircraft in Oct 86 and he was retained as the officer commanding.

On his return from the USSR in Mar 87, he planned and executed move of the Squadron from Eastern Sector to South Western Sector in such a smooth and professional manner that the Squadron was able to commence acceptance of Baaz aircraft from Base Depot in a short period of less than a month. In spite of the fact that all the Standard Operating Procedures and training syllabi had to be prepared under his supervision, he was able to bring up the operational status of the Squadron to a state wherein the first detachment for operational trials could be successfully moved out to another wing.

Under his dynamic leadership the Squadron continued its operational training including integrated training with Vajra, Vikram and Shamsher aircraft.

Wg Cdr Vishwanathan Pasupathi, as the first commanding officer of a Baaz Squadron, was greatly responsible for smooth induction of this modern and high performance interceptor in the IAF and subsequent achievements of the Squadron which were attained without any serious accident.

For his sincere and hard work, dedication to service and professional excellence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Viswanathan Pasupathi.

Wing Commander Harjeet Singh Sodhi (11663) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 02 Jun 68 and has carried our more than 5000 hrs of incident/accident free flying.

Considering his exceptional flying performance and effective organizing capabilities as a member of the sixth Indian Scientific expedition to Antarctica, he was selected to lead the IAF team for the Seventh Indian Scientific expedition.

During the expedition, in spite of bad weather the team's flying effort made the Air Force proud by air-lifting 322 tons of load in a record flying effort. Out of the total 156 hrs, Wg Cdr Sodhi alone flew 117 hrs. He carried out all the marginal weather flying himself thus establishing a record not only for himself but showed his subordinates to do the job in the best traditions of service. He brought distinction and honour to the Armed Forces.

For consistently exhibiting excellent professionalism, dedication and devotion to duty under challenging and uncertain conditions and carrying out tasks beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Harjeet Singh Sodhi.

Wing Commander Avdesh Kumar Singh (11005) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 4 June 67. He was one of the six qualified flying instructors of transport aircraft background, who were selected to convert into fighter aircraft in 1980, he was selected to fly Jaguars which where than the latest aircraft in the inventory of the Air Force Later he took over the Command of a Jaguar Squadron in Jul 86. In spite of manpower constraints the Squadron flew a total of 5000 hrs during his tenure and for the first time since the re equipment of the Squadron with the Jaguar aircraft, over 3000 hrs were flown in a single year.

During Sri Lanka Operation he mounted a detachment at Bangalore at a very short notice and personally flew ten operational fighter Reconnaissance missions over Sri Lanka during "OP Pawan". Throughout, he has led the Squadron from the front by his personal example. He has so far flown 1300 hrs on the Jaguar and his total flying is 4800 hrs all of which is tonally accident free.

For his professional competence, sound leadership, devotion to duty, sustained hard work and his contribution towards enhancement of flight safety and operational efficiency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Avdesh Kumar Singh.

Wing Commander Harish Masand, VrC (11272) Flying (Pilot) has been the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron since Jul 86 when the Squadron moved to a new location for conversion on the Baaz aircraft.

During the move of the Squadron and till the squadron received its aircraft in early Oct 87, Wg Cdr Masand's sense of responsibility, devotion to duty and loyalty to the service were once again high­lighted in a major Command exercise in which the Squadron participated within four months of its formation. Despite the inexperience of the personnel and operation from a number of bases the Squadron's performance in the air and on ground was exemplary.

Despite his limited experience on type, he was specially chosen for displaying the performance of the aircraft. Wg Cdr Masand met this commitment with his characteristic Zeal, initiative and skill.

For his exemplary devotion to duty, loyalty, leadership and personal example, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Harish Masand.

Wing Commander Pramod Kumar Mehra (11581) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in May 68. In 1985 he attended a Test Pilot course where in he stood second. In 1976, he had undergone Attack Pilot Flying Instructor's course and stood first in the course. He is also an experimental Test Pilot from Aircraft and System Testing Establishment Bangalore and he stood first in this course also.

Till date Wg Mehra has got 3430.00 hrs on twenty different types of aircraft to his credit and has totally accident free personal flying record.

In June 86, he took over command of a fighter Squadron. By his leadership, dedication and hard work he has brought laurels to the Squadrons. It is noteworthy that one junior pilot of the rank of pilot officer was made fully operational within 7 month of his commencing flying. It is an exceptional achievement by every standard.

During 1986-87 the Squadron was declared Winner of the HAL trophy for best performance Squadron HAL build aircraft. During 1987, the Squadron won the over all championship for Inter Squadron Armament meet in an operational Air Command. During this Armament meet, Wg Cdr Mehra personally led the Gunnery and Rocketry events and in both these events the teams stood first.

For his exceptional leadership professional competence of a very high order and dedication to his work, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Pramod Kumar Mehra.

Wing Commander Prakash Pralhad Dani (12214) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in Dec 69. He took over Command of a fighter Squadron on promotion, Nov 86.

The Squadron had been inspected by directorate of Air Staff Inspection in Jun 86, and was declared "Non Operational". On assuming Command of the Squadron, he accepted this poor inheritance as a challenge and directed his total attention towards the all round upliftment of the unit performance Under his able leadership the training of pilots was conducted and supervised in a highly systematic and professional manner. The overall operational capability of the Squadron was assessed by Inspection team in Nov. 87 and the Squadron was awarded an 'Average Plus' overall grading. This was the third Squadron in Air Force to be assessed as such in the last two years. This success of converting a "Non Ops" Squadron to one of the best Squadrons of the year could be attributed to his professional involvement.

The Squadron was assigned an additional task of training newly commissioned pilots since January. 87. The complete training till date was carried out well within the stipulated time frame for each course. Under his guidance all the trainee pilots were declared 'Fully Operational' and were rated 'White'.

For his professional skill and dedicated hard work, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Prakash Pralhad Dani.

Sqn Ldr Devender Jeet Singh Kler (11855) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of a fighter Squadron since Apr 80.

On 20 Jun 87, he was authorized to carry out a live Rocket Projectile sortie on Ajeet over Dudhkundi range. After an uneventful sortie, while coming into landing, he observed that the throttle could not be reduced as the throttle lever had become free. He operated the throttle lever to obtain some response from the engine but in the process, the RPM rose to 100% and thereafter remanded at this rating despite repeated movements of the throttle lever resulting in loss of control on speed of aircraft. Faced with this critical emergency and with very little endurance left, Sqn Ldr Kler was felt with only two options either to eject or recover the aircraft with a dead stick landing. Judging the situation correctly and having full faith in his professional skill built assiduously by practicing various emergencies over the years, he decided to opt for a dead stick landing even though, slight error in its execution entailed a grave risk to his life.

Sqn Ldr DJS Kler handled this critical emergency in an exemplary manner. Ajeet aircraft is known for its difficult handling characteristics and has resulted in accidents, many of them fatal, under such trying conditions. He displayed great professional skill, fine judgment and airmanship of the highest order. His devotion to duty is in the finest traditions of our service where in he saved a valuable combat aircraft even though this entailed grave risk to his won life.

For his professional skill, fine judgment, airmanship of a high order and efficient handling of a grave emergency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr Devender Jeet Singh Kler.

Squadron Leader Anil Chopra (13368) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a fighter Squadron.

The officer was on amongst the initial batch of pilots to be trained in France on Vajara aircraft in the Squadron he has been a senior supervisor initially and later a Flight Commander. His vast experience and knowledge as a Qualified flying instructor, Test Pilot and an Instrument Rating Examiner was utilized in formulating operating procedures, tactics and aircraft utilization doctrines. He was specifically assigned the task of carrying out in-depth study of aircraft avionics and to formulate Air Defence Standard Operating procedures.

The Officer was selected to undergo Electronic Warfare Operational Course aboard. On return he was assigned the task of flight Commander Electronic Warfare. As the Flight Commander he was assigned the task of inducting and carrying out efficiency trials of the most sophisticated and High Tech Electronic Warfare Equipment in to Electronics Warfare were formulated. He imparted efficient training to other pilots in the Squadron.

For his professional ability, exceptional leadership qualities, managerial skills and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Anil Chopra.

Squadron Leader Rajendra Khurana (13377) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 02 Jun 75 and is on the posted strength of a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron since 25 Nov 85.

He has 3150 hours of total flying to his credit of which 1850 hrs are operational flying on Canberra aircraft. He is functioning as the Flight Commander of Canberra Flight. During Aug 87, when there were certain indications of enemy intentions in Siachen area, he was called upon to plan and execute Photo reconnaissance mission over the area. Using his thorough knowledge in the field of Photo Reconnaissance operations combined with past experience of coordinating missions involving different types of aircraft, Sqn Ldr Khurana planned Photo Reconnaissance missions with great zeal and dedication. Of the 22 sorties flown for the purpose of planning and execution of these missions, two were flown over the operational area.

The information obtained from these missions was so valuable for our Army element in the field and at Headquarters that it was widely appreciated by the senior Army and Air Force Commanders directly involved with Siachen Operations.

For his exceptional and exemplary professional standards and fearless flying in the face of enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Rajendra Khurana.

Squadron leader Kamal Kant Dwivedi (14105) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of a fighter Squadron since 16 Jun 86. He is a fully operational pilot, a supervisor and the Squadron Pilot Attack Instructor with 120 hrs on Vikram aircraft and 1600 hrs of total service flying.

On 22 Jul 87 on completion of a successful practice interception sortie while turning on to base leg for a landing a screw which was flying loose inside the fuselage got lodged in the control system of his aircraft causing severe restriction in the fore and aft movement of the control column. As against maximum upward deflection of 28º of the tail plane and 18-20º required for a normal round off and touchdown, he had only 6º available to him. Fully aware of and yet totally unruffled by this very serious handicap, he very skillfully controlled the aircraft on the finals by intelligent use of power and airbrakes and executed a safe landing there by averting a major catastrophe not only for himself and his aircraft but also for civilians and their property around the airfield.

For the tremendous calmness and composure shown under severe stress, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Kamal Kant Dwivedi.

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

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

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

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

Flying Officer MR Anand (18257) Flying (Pilot) of a helicopter unit has flown over three hundred and fifty five sorties in Op Pawan till date. Most of these missions involved operating over inhospitable terrain and under the most trying operational conditions.

On 27 Jun 88, Fg Offr Anand was detailed as co-pilot for an important but highly dangerous task in the jungle areas south of Alampil, where active ground operations were in progress, However, during the execution of this vital task, the helicopter was hit by ground fire, in which of Fg Offr Anand also sustained minor injuries. Unmindful of it all, this officer in the best traditions of the Air Force, continued with the mission and ably assisted his Captain in dealing with the situation and recovering the helicopter at the closest helipad without further damage to his helicopter or injury to the troops.

Despite his relative inexperience and injury, Fg Offr Anand displayed courage, determination and professionalism of the highest order.

Fg Offr Anand, during his tenure in the Op Pawan area, has always accepted willingly and cheerfully and mission assigned to him.

For his courage in the face of enemy, determination and display of professionalism under operational conditions, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Fg Offr MR Anand.

271557 Warrant Officer Raja Ram Yadav Flight Gunner is on the posted strength of a helicopter unit Air Force with effect from 24 Feb 86. He is fully operational on Mi-8 and Mi-17 Helicopters and has flown a total of 2500 hours during his brief flying career.

WO RR Yadav is one of the first Flight Gunners posted to the unit on its formation. WO Yadav with his intense zeal and enthusiasm quickly took over as the Flight Gunner leader of a newly formed helicopter unit.

WO Yadav has the rare experience of flying over 600 sorties on the Saichen Glacier. He has been associated with most of the important dropping / landing trials in OpMeghdoot area.

The unit took active part in various Special Heliborne Operation exercises and undertook famous rescue operation like Zojila and many others in J & K and WO Yadav was detailed by name to be crew member on these high risk operations. His performance has been extremely praiseworthy on these missions. WO Yadav has been responsible for saving lives of two seriously ill Belgium ladies, who where rescued during the Zojila tragedy of Nov 86. He saved those ladies by giving them much needed oxygen by depriving himself of the oxygen while flying at the height of 15000 feet. This itself speaks for his personal conduct and selfless attitude.

For his exemplary dedication, professionalism and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Warrant Officer Raja Ram Yadav.

285738 Warrant Officer Himmat Singh Kundal Flight Gunner, is on the posted strength of a helicopter unit, AF since 01 Dec 85. He has an excellent record as a flight gunner and has flown over 2500 hrs in various roles like logistic support, heliborne operation, armament and VVIP commitments. He had also been commended by Chief of the Air Staff in Jan 84 for the professional competence and devotion to duty.

WO Himmat Singh was selected as a flight gunner with the Air Force team for the 6th Antarctica expedition. During the expedition, as a senior flight gunner, he was responsible for the entire loading operations of the helicopters. Undeterred by the inclement weather he worked untiringly for long hours and helped the expedition scientists in transporting their loads from ship to various sites which often called working beyond the normal call of duty.

Out of 140 hours flown by Pratap helicopter at Antarctica, WO Himmat Singh flew 130 hours. Due to his personal example, capacity for sustained hard work and methodical approach, he established harmonious and affective support among the team members, which had direct bearing on the output of the AF team.

For exceptional flying skill, devotion to duty and dedication to service, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Warrant Officer Himmat Singh.

641079 Sergeant Balwinder Singh Engine Fitter was enrolled in the IAF as an engine technician on 18 Jan 72 and has got 16 years of meritorious service to his credit. He has been working on Pratap Helicopter for eight years and for his exceptional record he was posted to Base Repair Depot as a Supervisor.

For his Superior technical knowledge and exemplary performance, Sgt Balwinder Singh was selected for the Seventh Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. During the expedition, the used his knowledge in guiding and supervising the activities of engine maintenance in a systematic and efficient manner. With his dogged determination initiative and untiring zeal he made sure that the turn round servicing and refueling was kept to bare minimum to avoid loss of most valuable flying time on ground.

During the expedition consistent bad weather spell resulted in accumulation of snow in the engine. The task of cleaning the engine and the cowling every day required mammoth effort and work. This towering challenge was taken up by Sgt Balwinder Singh and he worked day and night on aircraft to save the pipeline and other engine parts from deterioration.

He ensured successful completion of the task and made the helicopter ready for flying within hours. It was due to his determination and hard work that valuable sorties could go through to replenish the stores.

For his hard work, determination and exceptional professional ability, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sgt Balwinder Singh.

A young, energetic, hard working and dedicated airman who for his outstanding performance was selected for Seventh Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. He possesses remarkable qualities of dealing with problems and during the expedition he made commendable contribution towards the creditable performance of the Air Force Contingent.

Due to heavy blizzard, accumulation of snow on the Airframe was great hindrance to servicing and the removal of hardened snow was an extra burden on Airframe tradesman. During one blizzard with winds gusting up to 100 knots and ambient temperature dropping to -10°C, Cpl Venu went on check on the helicopter. With his ever observant eye he noticed a locking pin from one of the control locks had come out and the blade had started flapping viciously. Cpl Venu realized that the blade would be damaged if the control lock was not put back immediately, put himself to the task. After a great struggle, he managed to put the lock in position thereby saving the blade from complete damage. This act of part of Cpl Venu was shining example of his courage and devotion to duty.

For his initiative, courage, hard work and complete dedication to service, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Corporal Venumadhavan Talappil.