Group Captain Pradip Bhagat, VSM took over as Base Cdr Vavuniya Srillanka on 14 Nov 88 and served in that capacity upto 09 Feb 89. During this period of just under three months, the Base organization underwent revolutionary changes for the better and inter service relations reached a level of exceptionally high order. He managed to achieve spectacular improvements notwithstanding on going intense operations against militants including a possibility of evacuating Vayuniya airfield.

The area where AF Base Organisation was located had to be raised by a few inches, proper drainage provided and some areas black topped/cemented. All this was achieved by Gp Capt Bhagat in a matter of just two months.

For his dynamism, capacity for hard work and professionalism of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Gp Capt Pradip Bhagat.

Group Captain Harpal Singh Ahluwalia VM was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 16 Oct 65. in Jul 87, he was entrusted with the responsibility of raising a new Mi-17 Helicopter unit.

Within a week of the formation of the unit, Gp Capt Ahluwalia led a detachment to Sri Lanka for OP PAWAN. Gp Capt Ahluwalia led his helicopters in heliborne operations around Jaffna Peninsula and deeper into the jungles of Vavuniya, opening up the area for Indian troops. In Sep 87, his unit was inducted for OP MEGHDOOT and took on the brunt of the task when Pakistan attacked in the Siachen Glacier. Gp Capt Ahluwalia also carried out an emergency relief operation for 600 Border Road laboureres stranded in freak snow storms in Bara-La-Chala in Himachal Pradesh during Oct 87.

Gp Capt Ahluwalia's professional skill and his leadership qualities enabled his unit to win both the best Overall performance Helicopter Unit Trophy for 1987-88 and the IAF Flight Safety Trophy for the Best Helicopter unit for 1988-89.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, dynamic leadership and especially for his operational work in OP PAWAN and OP MEGHDOOT, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Gp Capt Harpal Singh Ahluwalia VM.

Wing Commander Vijay Kumar was a detachment Commander of four Mi-17 helicopter element in Sri Lanka since 15 Jun 1989.

On the night of 15/16 Jul 89, within minutes of the receipt of a message that an IPKF convoy had been ambushed by LTTE militants causing heavy casualties, Wg Cdr Vijay Kumar took off for the rescue mission. He undertook the hazardous task of executing a night landing at a helipad with totally inadequate night landing facility and that too in an area infested with LTTE militants. By his exceptional professional skill, Wg Cdr Vijay Kumar executed a safe night landing surrounded by tall trees and power lines and lit only by the head beam of a solitary vehicle. Under his leadership, the detachment executed each and every mission with full success, maximum safety and clock work precision. The detachment also continued to maintain an envious record of one hundred percent serviceability.

For his devotion to duty and exceptional professionalism, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva medal to Wg Cdr Vijay Kumar.

Wing Commander Ramamoorthy Vijay Kumar was attached to Air Force Element of the IPKF since Oct 87.

Wg Cdr Kumar has been actively involved in flying duties in connection with the Indian Forces in Srilanka (OP PAWAN). He and his crew were involved in the initial buildup of forces in Jaffna in early Oct 87. They operated for eight consecutive days without adequate rest, airlifting artillery and tanks to Jaffna and Trincomalee. It was due to his personal rapport with the local Army and airport authorities that the aircrew could be provided with some sort of administrative support at the airfields. During Oct 87, Wg Cdr Kumar flew a total of 73 hours on Gajraj aircraft in connection with various aspects of the operations.

For his devotion to duty, excellent professionalism and ability to inspire his colleagues in adverse conditions, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Wg Cdr RV Kumar

Wing Commander Vikram Singh Ranawat was commanding one of the Helicopter Squadrons since 28 Nov 87.

He was serving with the Air Force Element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. On 04 Jan 88, Para Commandos were helilanded in a Special Heliborne Operation in the area of Mulaitivu. The officer was detailed to escort the mission in an Akbar. One team of Para Commandos encountered deadly enemy fire and asked for close air support. In spite of heavy ground fire, Wg Cdr Ranawat carried out repeated front gun and rocket attacks on enemy position with great accuracy. While carrying out attacks, he contacted a Chetak Helicopter at Mulaitivu to evacuate the casualties. The officer continued the suppressive fire keeping enemy pinned down and made it possible for the Chetak to evacuate three casualties safely.

For his gallant actions in the face of enemy, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Wg Cdr VS Ranawat.

Flight Lieutenant Sanajy Mittal has been on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter units since 22 Dec 86.

He was first among the few pilots from the unit to join the Indian Peace keeping Force in Oct 87. During the hostilities in Jaffna, the officer flew 21 missions, both day and night. The unit moved to its new location in February and ever since, the officer continuously participated in various operations like troop induction/deinduction, casualty evacuation, logistic support etc, under extremely hostile conditions and unfamiliar terrain. While carrying out operation in areas vulnerable to enemy fire, his professional handling instilled confidence amongst other crew.

For his flying effort, dedication and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Flt Lt Sanjay Mittal.

Flight Lieutenant Amrinder Singh Gill has been posted to one of the Helicopter Units since 15 Dec 86.

Flt Lt Amrinder Singh Gill was amongst the first from the unit to join IPKF. The officer has flown over 700 missions logging 350 hrs under the most hazardous and hostile conditions. Flt Lt Amrinder Singh Gill has undertaken the widest variety of operations in the operation PAWAN, ranging from the most dreaded troop induction to air maintenance and the most daring casualty evacuations by day and night. Flt Lt Amrinder Singh Gill with his ability to remain cool in the face of ever elusive enemy had constant ground fire, is an example of the ultimate in professionalism.

Flight Lieutenant Naveen Tanwar has been on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter units since 08 Dec 86. He has been operating from Jaffna in support of Indian Peace Keeping Force since Dec 87.

Flt Lt Tanwar continued to stay at the operational area till the unit moved to its new location. He flew over 650 missions amounting to over 300 hrs over an extremely hostile terrain. Undeterred by the hostile conditions, Flt Lt Tanwar carried out his duties with efficiency and great courage while spending more than 180 days on the island. He has displayed exceptional professionalism and dedication to service by evacuating the casualties. Though young in service and relatively inexperienced, he showed determination and grit of a very high order.

For his professional skill, devotion to duty and distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Flt Lt Naveen Tanwar.

Flight Lieutenant Ashish Mokashi has been on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter units since 08 Oct 86.

Flt Lt Mokashi was amongst the first to join the IPKF in Oct 87. He flew over 550 missions and 300 hrs as a part of the IPKF. In the hostile conditions, he flew various missions like troop induction/de-induction, resupply, air maintenance, casualty evacuation, armed missions etc. with great alacrity and professional zeal. Even when flying was very demanding and extensive, Flt Lt Mokashi never lost his cool and carried out his task with courage, accuracy and professional excellence. Through his actions, Flt Lt Mokashi proved himself to be a dedicated and a fearless professional who had kept the interest of his country and service foremost.

For his outstanding efforts and achievements, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Flt Lt Ashish Mokashi.