Wing Commander Harbans Singh Bath VM was posted on 15 Feb 88 as the first Squadron Commander of a newly raised Mi-17 Squadron. The unit became fully operational within one week of its formation.

On 21 Jun 88, the unit was assigned the task of undertaking drop sorties at Sia La, a strategic Army post situated at a height of 5.7 Kms on the glacier. It was a Dropping Zone (DZ) where Mi-17 helicopter had never operated before. Wg Cdr Bath not only carried out successful drops at Sia-La but also utilized this opportunity to train his pilots while on-the-job. Subsequently, he repeated similar feats at "Bahadur" (DZ) and "Sonam" (DZ). In Apr 89, our ground forces holding 'Thapa' ridge were critically low on rations and ammunition and were under heavy fire from enemy. This post was hazardous for helicopter operations in view of its topography and very restricted flying space. Wg Cdr HS Bath, flying through zones of enemy fire, carried out 5 missions on a single day and delivered the much needed supplies to the beleaguered contingent of our Army.

For his personal example and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Bar to Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Harbans Singh Bath.

Group Captain Surendra Singh Tyagi has been posted in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection since 28 Jul 86.

Gp Capt Surendra Singh Tyagi was commissioned in the flying branch on 16 May 65. He has been in the fighter stream all along and has commanded two fighter bomber Squadrons of the IAF.

The officer has flown all the fighter aircraft types in the IAF including Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 and has a total of 4166 hrs to his credit. He has flown 5255 sorties (3428 hrs) on the MiG-21 alone crossing the 5000 sorties mark on the aircraft as early as 13 Feb 87. During his present tenure, the officer has undertaken a total of 91 inspections including those of Wings, FBSUs and Squadrons. During these inspections, he has flown 528 sorties (295 hrs) on a variety of aircraft.

For his single-minded dedication and devotion to duty, the president is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt Surendra Singh Tyagi.

Group Captain Anant Gopal Bewoor was commissioned in Oct 65. An officer with exceptional professional competence and vast instructional experience, he has to his credit 4680 hrs of accident-free flying on mainly heavy transport and trainer aircraft.

On assuming command of the Gajraj Squadron on 01 Oct 87, he so streamlined all the squadron operations through suitable delegation of authority that within weeks of his taking charge, it was transformed into an extremely potent force. The squadron's contributions in the massive airlift of men and material of the Indian Peace Keeping Force to Sri Lanka, rescue mission in air of the besieged President of Maldives and an emergency relief mission to Armenia in Nov/ Dec 88 are vivid testimony to his leadership and organizational competence.

For his outstanding leadership and professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt Anant Gopal Bewoor.

Wing Commander Arun Kumar Saxena is posted as Command Intelligence Officer at Headquarters Western Air Command since 19 Jun 89. As a highly qualified helicopter pilot, he had the distinction of being selected to lead the IAF contingent for the Indian Expedition to Antarctica in 1988.

To provide airlift to construct the second permanent station at 'Maitri', the IAF contingent carried out three Mi-8 helicopters instead of the usual two.

Wg Cdr Saxena carried out repeated precision sorties despite the meager clearance of just one meter from the ship' static crane and completed the gigantic airlift of 613 meteric tones of load and 450 passengers in 525 sorties. This resulted in timely completion of the Indian Station 'Maitri'.

For his display of gallantry and exceptional devotion the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Arun Kumar Saxena.

Wing Commander Bhushan Nilkanth Gokhale assumed command of a fighter squadron on 18 May 87.

He personally led an operational IRLS sortie over the border in Siachen area in Aug 87. Under his Command, the performance of the unit had been exemplary during EXHAMMER BLOW and EX-SURAKSHA II.

Wg Cdr Gokhale took personal initiative and established a new approach to the TRS (turn round servicing) on a MiG variant reducing the TRS time by half. Wg Cdr Gokhale has been instrumental in identifying, initiating and implementing a major modification of the MiG variant which in the near future will allow an armament recorder camera to be fitted.

For his significant contributions to the operational preparedness of the squadron and dedication to duty, the President is please to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Bhushan Nilkanth Gokhale.

Wing Commander Anil Sinha took over command of a fighter Squadron at a forward base on 21 Sep 87.

Displaying a keen sense of dedication to duty, he personally planned the Squadron's operational flying training with a view to ensure maximum operational effectiveness of the Squadron. A clear indication of his effort in this aspect was 23 upgradations of aircrew status during his command. The Squadron was beset with an acute shortage of technical manpower and non-availability of sufficient spares. However, despite such constraints, Wg Cdr Sinha managed to obtain a very high rate of serviceability; largely through personal involvement.

For his outstanding qualities of leadership and dedication to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Anil Sinha.

Wing Commander Ajit Vishwanath Vaidya commanded a frontline fighter squadron from 22 Jul 87 to 19 Jun 89. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and has been type examiner on Mirage-2000 aircraft. During his tenure as Squadron Commander, the squadron was put to operational test on two occasions. First in July 87, the squadron was asked to move on short notice to Yelahanka in connection with Srilanka operations. Wg Cdr Vaidya carried out the task successfully by ferrying the aircraft ten of his aircraft in the shortest possible time. On the second occasion, his squadron was directed to move to Trivandrum in battle order on 03 Nov 88 and in a commendable period of under 4 hours, Wg Cdr Vaidya ensured that his squadron aircraft were airborne and the ferry was completed.

He is the first pilot to have fired air-toground weapons from Mirage-2000 which he did most accurately at Pokharan and then at Tilpat during Air Power Demonstration 89.

For his professional and notable contribution to operational preparedness, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Ajit Vishwanath Vaidya.

Wing Commander Yeshwant Rao Rane took over command of a fighter Squadron on 06 Jun 87. During his tenure as Commanding Officer, his squadron has flown 4900 hrs amounting to 8800 sorties on both fighter and trainer aircraft. This stupendous task of accident-free flying was carried out after meeting all the operational commitments allotted to the Squadron. The high state of serviceability maintained by the Squadron, the accident-free flying effort and excellent training status of its pilots won the Squadron the trophy of 'Best Supersonic Squadron of the IAF' for the year 1987-88 and the best assessment for any fighter Squadron inspected by DASI during 1988.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, leadership of a very high order and professional skill, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Yeshwant Rao Rane.

Wing Commander Pranab Kumar Barbora was commissioned on 13 Jan 70. He has to his credit over 3000 hours of accident-free flying. He is a qualified flying instructor as well as a fighter combat leader.

Wg Cdr Barbora has been in command of an operational squadron since Jun 87. On taking over command of the squadron, he whole-heartedly devoted himself the task of developing his unit into a well-knit and cohesive force. During his command, his squadron flew over 8300 sorties and 4800 hours while maintaining a very high average aircraft serviceability of 78%. Under his leadership, the Squadron achieved 100% serviceability on 4 different occasions. The Squadron achieved a very high pilots operational status of over 90% throughout his tenure. During the Gunnery meet of 1988, the Squadron was adjudged "The Best Overall Squadron".

For his professional acumen and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Pranab Kumar Barbora.

Wing Commander Karan Singh Chhina has been commanding a fighter squadron since 06 Jul 87.

On 20 Feb 89, he was authorized to fly a handling/aerobatic sortie. This aircraft had come out after snag rectification of the cone system.

While lowering the undercarriage on downwind for a landing, he noticed that though the main wheel indications were showing green, there was no light indication of the nose wheel. Wg Cdr Chhina decided to fly past the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and get his undercarriage position confirmed visually. The ATC confirmed that the main wheels were down but the nose wheel was flushed up.

Disregarding all dangers to himself, Wg Cdr Chhina decided to put the aircraft with nose wheels up and landed the aircraft with the nose wheel up. This action on part of Wg Cdr Chhina was beyond the call of duty.

For his exemplary courage and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Karan Singh Chhina.

Wing Commander Amardeep Singh Gill was commissioned in the flying branch in January 1972. He has 7300 hrs of accidentfree flying to his credit with the distinction of being the first Gajraj pilot to achieve 1000 hrs in this mighty jet. He flew over 900 hrs during his tenure of Aircrew Examining Board.

While undergoing IL-76 conversion abroad, Wg Cdr Gill put in dedicated effort in formulating the checklists and Standard Operating Procedures for operations of Gajraj aircraft in the new environment. His diligence beyond the call of duty made subsequent operations and training of pilots on IL-76 aircraft in India both productive and safe.

For his outstanding professionalism, dedication and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Amardeep Singh Gill.

Squadron Leader Virendra Pal Singh is one the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depots since 06 Jun 88 and is employed as a test pilot on Hunter and HS-748 aircraft production and storage flight testing duties.

On 30 Aug 89, Sqn Ldr VP Singh was authorized to carry out Air Test on T-75 aircraft after Pre-issue servicing. Climb to 13 Kms was uneventful. All of a sudden, there was an explosion followed by a fierce wing blast with splinters hitting the pilot on his face. Half the canopy had blown away shattering the pilot's visor and deeply denting the helmet. Remaining part of the visor had blood on it and was flapping wildly as a result of airflow entering through the shattered canopy.

Unmindful of his personal safety, the pilot initiated recovery action. The noise level as a result of wing blast was very high and transmission from the ground was not discernible. Air Traffic Control gave visual indication for landing. A safe landing was carried out.

For his courage, self-confidence and professionalism of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Virendra Pal Singh.

Squadron Leader Chander Shekhar Venkataramany has been on the posted strength of Operational Conversion Unit since 07 May 88. On 23 Jun 89, he was authorized to carry out engine check on a Hunter aircraft. After take off, at a height of 500', the engine flamed out.

The low height made the emergency critical, indicating immediate ejection in the normal course. However, the pilot quickly analysed the situation and decided to delay ejection. As the speed dropped to 160 kts, and he had grabbed the ejection handle, he felt the engine relight and the RPM just starting to build up. At 200' AGL, when he was sure of making the runway, he started throttling back to reduce the RPM but the engine again flamed out. He thereafter handled the aircraft with consummate skill and airmanship, carrying out a perfect, dead stick landing on the runway. He not only saved a precious aircraft but also contributed substantially to Flight Safety, since the cause of flame out could be conclusively determined.

For his sound knowledge of aircraft system and efficient handling of grave emergency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr Chander Shekhar Venkataramany.

Squadron Leader Sunderraman Neelakantan was posted to Tactics Development Establishment on 19 Dec 88 to undergo Flight Combat Leader Course.

On 14 Feb 1989, Sqn Ldr Neelakantan took off in a MiG-21 aircraft for a training sortie. After 18 minutes of uneventful flying, when the speed was 850 Kph and height 4.5 Km, he felt the aircraft rock violently out of control. He noted that the main hydraulic system has also failed. Determined to recover the aircraft, he applied himself to the task and was able to maintain control of the aircraft only below 3 Km with significant left rudder pressure only at speeds below 500 Kph. Together with the loss of power, he was also denied the use of flaps and air brakes due to hydraulic failure. Despite the multiple emergencies, Sqn Ldr Neelakantan displaying exceptional skill, executed a flawless descending circuit terminating in a direct flapless approach and landing.

For displaying exceptional flying outstanding professionalism, judgment and confidence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Sunderraman Neelakantan.

Squadron Leader Kulwant Singh Gill is on the posted strength of one of the helicopter Units since 01 Jul 87. He was selected as a member of the Air Force Contingent for the Eighth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The Air Force team was given the task to airlift large quantities of bulk and heavy construction material to the site of the second Indian Station, Maitri in Antarctica. Sqn Ldr gill undertook the missions repeatedly with consistent accuracy to avoid huge obstruction of the ship's crane only a meter away from the rotor tips.

On 25 Dec 88, he was the Captain of a Helicopter which was to take vital Cargo from the ship to Maitri. The helicopter developed engine compressor split of 10% just after take off from the ship. Sqn Ldr Gill maintained his calm and flew the helicopter towards Dakshin Gangotri and carried out a perfect forced landing on the ice shelf with practically only one engine developing full power.

For this conspicuous courage and gallantry at Antarctica, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Kulwant Singh Gill.

Squadron Leader Philip Mohan Mathai is the senior Flight Commander of a Fighter Squadron since 13 Jun 88.

On 24 Feb 89, he was authorized to fly as No. 3 in a 4 aircraft (MiG) formation which was to release live stores over SK Range. Soon after dropping the stores the entire formation entered the thick black smoke billowing from the target due to Napalm explosion of the formation ahead of it. Sometimes during this period No. 4 aircraft collided with No. 3 aircraft hitting it from the top.

After the impact, the pilot experienced total communication failure. Displaying total professionalism, he continued to fly towards base while continually trying to connect his shattered radio telephone plug. He had to be shepherded in for landing as his forward visibility was nil.

For his courage and exemplary professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Philip Mohan Mathai.

Squadron Leader Ajit Singh Slaich was commissioned in the Air Force in Jun 74.

In Feb 89, the unit was called upon to take over the tasks of Pawan Hans Ltd. in Bombay High. In a short period of four months, Sqn Ldr Ajit Singh undertook 365 offshore sorties and airlifted 5620 passengers and 26408 Kgs of load to Bombay High installations.

On the afternoon of 16 Mar 89, Sqn Ldr Ajit Singh was detailed to evacuate a casualty having a skull fracture, from Amla to Nagpur. Driven by rare missionary zeal and relying on the confidence acquired over the years, he made a concerted effort and evacuated the casualty to Nagpur.

For his high sense of dedication to duty and exemplary effort, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Ajit Singh Slaich.

Squadron Leader Mukul Goyal was commissioned in the IAF on 07 Jul 78 and has a record of 6,000 hrs of accident-free flying.

Sqn Ldr Goyal joined an AN-32 Sqn in Jan 85 and after conversion commenced regular flying in Jun 85. On 11 Nov 88, there was an urgent requirement to airlift troops from Agartala to Guwahati for onward dispatch to Srilanaka. The task had to be completed at night ex-Agartala where the night landing facilities were totally inadequate. Sqn Ldr showing great initiative and skill was the first to land at this airfield and then guided the others to follow him, thus being instrumental in the success of the mission.

For his high sense of dedication to duty, exemplary flying effort and thorough professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Mukul Goyal.

Flight Lieutenant Harkeerat Singh Aujla has been on the posted strength of a helicopter unit since 01 Mar 88.

During his tenure in the unit, Flt Lt Aujla has successfully carried out a variety of high altitude missions e.g. air maintenance, casualty evacuation from daunting heights of 19000 ft and above in Siachen Glacier and Ladakh region. He has over 2000 sorties to the world's highest helipad to his credit.

He has undertaken hazardous flying missions to deliver vital supplies like ammunitions and rations to our highest outposts in 'Siachen Glacier' under heavy enemy shelling.

In recognition of his unmatched courage, devotion to duty and professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flt Lt Harkeerat Singh Aujla.

Flight Lieutenant Ajay Dogra has been on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter Units since 14 Oct 85 and was operating from Jaffna in support of Indian Peace Keeping Force.

On 14 Nov 87, Flt Lt Ajay Dogra was assigned the task for dropping troops and ammunition at a helipad dominated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) guerillas in Jaffna. He landed there safely but as the aircraft took off, it came under continuous heavy machine gun fire by the LTTE elements. The tail boom and tail rotor shaft were damaged extensively. In spite of being subjected to heavy ground fire, Flt Lt Dogra kept his cool and continued to fly his helicopter in the damaged condition till his mission was completed.

For showing exceptional courage in the face of the enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt Ajay Dogra.

Master Warrant Officer Ramaswamy Govindrajan is on the posted strength of an AN12 Squadron since 20 Dec 81. He has been employed as a flight signaller for the past 30 years on four different types of different transport aircraft. He holds the record of achieving the highest flying category 'A' on all types of aircraft flown by him. Today, he has to his credit 10,200 hours including 3600 hours on operations in J&K, Ladakh in the Northern and Nagaland, NEFA and Mizoram area in the Eastern Sectors. He is currently a Command Examiner on AN12 aircraft. He has trained and brought up junior Flight Signallers Commensurate with the operational role of the Squadron.

For his remarkable professional skill and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to MWO Ramaswamy Govindrajan.