Flight Lieutenant Pradeep Gupta has been on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Helicopter Units since 02 Jun 90.

The operational task of the unit is to primarily to fly sorties in support of ground forces to Siachen Glacier where helipads are located at the height of 16,000 ft and above.

ON 05 Jul 90, Flt Lt Gupta carried out ten sorties in the Siachen Glacier area. Undaunted by the fatigue due to previous sorties as well as the natural hardship of operating in oxygenthin high altitude, the officer willingly took off for the eleventh sortie of the day. The destination this time was the Chandan helipad located at 16500 ft above MSL and is a serious challenge to the professional skill and courage of a pilot.

While approaching the helipad, the enemy fired a missile which missed his helicopter. Considering the advantageous position of the enemy, he was most vulnerable target. It required exceptional courage and years of motivation to retrieve the ac from a dangerous situation. Already at low altitude, the office initiated a descending turn to manoeuvre the helicopter in a direction away from the range of enemy missiles. Descending to ultra low level, he effectively avoided enemy missiles. Amidst the enemy shelling of Chandan helipad and missiles fired at his helicopter, Flt Lt Gupta intelligently pulled the helicopter out of the range of enemy fire.

For his distinguished service of a high order under most trying conditions in a warlike situation, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Flt Lt Pradeep Gupta.