Gp Capt Baljeet Singh was commissioned on 16 May 65 and has been the Commanding Officer of an operational Helicopter Unit (HU) since 26 Aug 91.

Gp Capt Baljeet Singh has achieved a unique distinction of being the only helicopter pilot to exceed 10,000 hrs of flying in the Indian Air Force. This marvelous feat was achieved by him over a span of 28 years of accident free flying which speaks volumes of his professional competence. He has flown various types of helicopters viz. Mi-4, Mi-8, Mi17, Chetak and Cheetah over terrains like the desert, the high reaches of the Siachen Glacier, the uncertain weather zones of the North East and over the vast expanse of the Sea. He has undertaken missions covering flood relief, counter-insurgency, Air Maintenance to VVIP communication duties. He had been commended by the Chief of the Air Staff twice i.e., in Jan 77 and Aug 83 for qualities of airmanship and devotion to duty.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Gp Capt Baljeet Singh.

Wg Cdr Ashok Shivasangappa Umbarje was commissioned on 12 Jun 71 and has been in Command of a combat squadron since 13 May 91. He has to his credit over 3600 hours of flying and is at the threshold of the exclusive club of aviators with 5000 sorties on MiG-21.

During his Command, eleven ab-initio pilots were declared fully operational and 10 pilots were declared day Ops. The squadron carried out this high level of training while maintaining a zero accident rate.

During Wg Cdr AS Umbarje's tenure, the squadron was inspected twice by Air Crew Examiner Board and once by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team. On these occasions, the squadron achieved a very high rating in all disciplines viz. Operations, Maintenance and Administration.

Under his dynamic leadership, the squadron won overall first position. It was also adjudged 'Best Combat Squadron' in South Western Air Command for 1992.

For exceptional devotion to duty and dynamic leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr AS Umbarje.

Wg Cdr Satish Kumar Gahlaut was commissioned on 12 Jun 71 as a fighter pilot. He commanded a fighter Squadron during 199092. The officer has over 2500 hours of accident -free fighter flying to his credit which includes over 3000 sorties on MiG -21 aircraft.

During his tenure as Commanding Officer, the Sqn was inspected twice by Aircrew Examining Board (AEB) and once by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. In all these inspections the unit was rated very high each time. The unit won the prestigious overall trophy during the Western Air Command Gunnery Meet, 199192. The consistency in performance was mainly due to the outstanding leadership provided by Wg Cdr Gahlaut.

Wg Cdr Gahlaut was given the task of reequipping the Squadron for dedicated Photo Reconnaissance (PR) role. He handled this task in a highly professional manner and ensured that the transition was most expeditious and smooth.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr SK Gahlaut.

Wg Cdr Harjinder Singh Rehncy was commissioned on 18 Apr 64 and has been on the posted strength of AN-12 Squadron since May 88. He is extremely capable and experienced transport pilot having flown over 8500 hrs on various aircraft, of which 5500 hrs are on the AN-12.

On 19 Nov 92, Wg Cdr Rehncy successfully handled a dangerous situation involving multiple emergencies on the AN-12 and landed the aircraft safely at a forward airfield. The aircraft took off from Jaisalmer with passengers and cargo. About 50 miles from Halwara, the aircraft encountered bad weather resulting in drop of oil contents from No. 4 engine. Wg Cdr Rehncy very rightly assessed the situation and feathered the No. 4 engine. In the meantime the oil contents of No. 1 engine started dropping. He maintained his cool and carried out a safe 3 engine landing at Halwara. He switched off No. 1 engine immediately after landing to prevent any damage to the engine due to low pressure/contents. He thus averted a major disaster, saving not only 60 human lives but also a valuable aircraft, in keeping with the highest traditions of the IAF.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr RS Rehncy.

Wg Cdr Sharad Uddhavrao Apte was commissioned on 13 Jan 70 and has been on the posted strength of Directorate of Operations (Air Defence), Air Headquarters since 23 Apr 90.

Wg Cdr Apte is a highly qualified and experienced Mirage-2000 pilot. He commanded one of the premier fighter squadrons for two years and both the years, the squadron was adjudged the 'Best Fighter Squadron of IAF'. It was also awarded the Best Flight Safety (CAC), Best Squadron on CAC (1990) and the IAF Instrument Rating Trophies.

During May 89, eight fully serviceable aircraft were damaged in a hangar collapse. Within a matter of three months all these aircrafts were repaired and flown, with Wg Cdr Apte flying the first air test sortie on each of these aircraft. He, thus, displayed high professional competence and extraordinary airmanship.

As Deputy Director Air Defence at Air Headquarters, Wg Cdr Apte, with his professional knowledge and planning abilities was able to resolve the long outstanding problems of War Wastage Reserve of Mirage fleet including specialist weapons in relatively short period.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr SU Apte.

Wg Cdr Norman Anil Kumar Browne was commissioned on 24 Jun 72 and has been in command of a Squadron, equipped with the frontline Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft since Dec 90. Wg Cdr Browne is a graduate of Staff College in USA. He has over 3000 hours of accident-free flying.

Immediately after assuming command of the Squadron, he set about enhancing the operational preparedness and potential of the unit. Wg Cdr Browne's personal contribution in development of tactics has been very significant. Recommendations made by him and his team have been accepted by Air HQ and these form a part of the standard tactics for strike squadrons.

During a low level night strike mission in a Jaguar aircraft, he experienced serious controls malfunction followed by controls restriction in the rudders. As worthy professional, he remained cool and analyzed the emergency correctly. He nursed the stricken aircraft to a safe altitude. He had to fly the aircraft extremely close to the limits of the performance envelope. He displayed extraordinary qualities of airmanship in landing the crippled aircraft thus saving invaluable aircraft.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr NAK Browne.

Wg Cdr SK Jayaswal was commissioned as a fighter pilot in Jun 72. He has more than 3300 hours of accident free flying on fighter aircraft to his credit. He is in command of a MiG-27 Squadron since May 91.

As Commanding Officer, Wg Cdr Jayaswal has been leading the combat unit from the front. He devoted himself to the operational combat training of the pilots. His systematic approach to armament training resulted in excellent performance of the Sqn in the annual air to ground armament firing meet of the Western Air Command where the Sqn was adjudged the best.

His professional ability and conduct has been a source of inspiration to all his subordinates. He motivated his officers and men in the most competent manner to form a well-knit combat team. This showed results when the unit, under his leadership, attained the highest ever marks given by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection Team to any unit in the IAF.

For his professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr SK Jayaswal.

Wg Cdr Vijay Shriniwas Karnik was commissioned on 24 Jun 72. He has commanded a MiG-29 Squadron during 1991-93.

His single minded devotion and dedication to operations resulted in evolution of many new tactics including the first Anti Beyond Visual Range Missile tactics which was accepted by Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment for Trials.

Wg Cdr Karnik, a professionally competent officer, was specially selected represent the IAF at Belgium in the prestigious Fighter Weapons Instructors Training Symposium in which all the NATO countries participated.

A direct indicator of his dedication and devotion to duty is the book written by him called "Know your MiG-29". The effort was commended by the CAS and has been approved and published for the operations of MiG-29 aircraft. The book is of great value for the pilots as well as for the engineers of MiG-29.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Ajay Shriniwas Karnik.

Wg Cdr KG Bewoor was commissioned on 09 Feb 74. He took over the command of a Hunter Squadron on Oct 91 at a critical juncture, when the previous Commanding Officer was seriously injured in an aircraft accident and hospitalized. The tasks at hand included revitalizing the squadron which was without its Commanding Officer for three months, preparation for a colour presentation by the President of India and the Hunter Operations Flying training which was behind schedule.

Wg Cdr Bewoor got down to the tasks at hand systematically worked to ensure that the training of 147 Pilots course finished on schedule. He set a very high standard for the colour presentation ceremony. By personal example and leadership, he motivated the officers and men in revitalizing the squadron and brought up the morale to the highest level.

During his command, the squadron was rated very high by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team. The squadron flew a total of 7230 sorties without any accident. The squadron was awarded the Best Fighter Squadron trophy in Eastern Air Command for the year 1992-93.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr KG Bewoor.

Wg Cdr Simhakutty Varthaman was commissioned on 09 Feb 74. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and a Test Pilot and has more than 3000 hours of accident-free fighter flying to his credit.

He is qualified on MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27 aircraft. At the BRD, his task included duties of COO and air testing of aircraft produced after manufacture/overhaul/medium repair/ storage by HAL and BRD. He flew 667 accident free sorties amounting to 470 hours. He rendered valuable help in finalizing five major trials and modifications. Ozar complex consisting of HAL and the BRD has been designated as vital area in the Maharashtra Air Defence Sector of South Western Air Command. Three major Air Defence exercises were conducted at this base. During one of the exercises, Guided Weapons Squadrons were inducted for the first time. Wg Cdr Varthaman, with the help of a few technicians and one technical officer, established a Base Air Defence Centre (BADC) from scratch. He also established Operational Readiness Platform and allied communication system for the exercise. Several successful interceptions were carried out during the exercise.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr S Varthaman.

Sqn Ldr Pankaj Jaiswal is on the posted strength of a Helicopter unit since 11 May 92.

Late at night on 23 June 92, the unit was called upon to undertake an urgent causality air evacuation mission for Mr. Vincent Venable a member of Indo-British Mountaineering Expedition, who had suffered multiple fractures during the descent and lay immobile on the steep icy slopes at a height of over 18000 feet. Sqn Ldr P Jaiswal with Sqn Ldr PK Sharma as his co-pilot was detailed for this rescue mission. The weather was bad and locating the injured person became very difficult. By persistent effort despite bad weather, he spotted the mountaineers perched on a steep and treacherous slope. By that time, the wind had picked up and menacing dark clouds surrounded the area. The steep slope offered no suitable place to land. Considering the deteriorating weather condition and unpredictable cloud shifts, the pilots took a bold decision to touch down next to the injured man. While one pilot precariously held the machine in place with right ski touching the slope, the other opened the door and assisted Mr. Venable in boarding the helicopter safely.

By sheer dint of courage, professionalism and airmanship of very high order, the seemingly impossible task was made possible. It was a superb display of joint team work requiring extraordinary synchronous co-ordination on part of both the pilots.

For his professionalism and exceptional courage, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr Pankaj Jaiswal.

Sqn Ldr PK Sharma was commissioned in Jun 84. He is a senior staff pilot on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 14 Feb 91.

Late at night on 23 Jun 92, the unit was called upon to undertake an urgent casualty air evacuation mission for Mr. Vincent Venable a member of Indo-British Mountaineering Expedition, who had suffered multiple fractures during the descent and lay immobile on the steep icy slopes at a height of over 18000 feet. Sqn Ldr PK Sharma with his co-pilot was detailed for this rescue mission. The weather was bad and locating the injured person became very difficult. By persistent effort despite bad weather, he spotted the mountaineers perched on a steep and treacherous slope. By that time the wind had picked up and menacing dark clouds surrounded the area. The steep slope offered no suitable place to land. Considering the deteriorating weather condition and unpredictable cloud shifts, he took a bold decision to touch down next to the injured man. While one pilot precariously held the machine in place with right ski touching the slope, the other opened the door and assisted Mr. Venable in boarding the helicopter safely.

By sheer dint of courage, professionalism and airmanship of very high order, the seemingly impossible task was made possible. It was a superb display of joint team work requiring extraordinary synchronous co-ordination on part of both the pilots.

For his professionalism of exceptional courage, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr Pravin Kumar Sharma.

Sqn Ldr Santosh Suresh Kothari is on the posted strength of Helicopter Training School (HTS) as a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) since Jan 92.

On 11 Sep 92, Sqn Ldr Kothari was detailed for an instructional sortie on Chetak Helicopter with a Flight Cadet who was in his ab-initio training stage. The first exercise was a quick stop over the taxy track. The Flt Cdr executed the exercise with Sqn Ldr Kothari flowing on the controls. As the Helicopter was maneuvered to a hover after the exer cise, a sudden and vicious yaw to the left developed. Within a matter of a few seconds, the helicopter rotated on its vertical axis 3 to 4 times, indicating a tail rotor failure. Sqn Ldr Kothari, despite the sudden and vicious rotation, took over the controls and executed an immediate landing. The actions taken by him under these trying circumstances were prompt and correct. Tail rotor failure is a very critical emergency in a single rotor helicopter. In such an eventuality the helicopter rotates viciously without any control. If the pilot had not acted promptly in the correct manner, it would have culminated into total destruction of the helicopter and the loss of invaluable lives. The control of emergency in a most professional and cool manner by the pilot averted a major accident.

For his act of courage and airmanship of exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Sqn Ldr SS Kothari.

Flt Lt KVS Sai was commissioned on 06 Dec 85. Within a short span of service, he did more than 2600 hours of accident-free flying and attained the highest instrument rating status of Master Green on the twin engine Helicopter. He had flown more than 800 air maintenance sorties and other missions in the hazardous and inhospitable regions of Siachin Glacier.

Flt Lt Sai evinced very keen interest in Sky Diving. The officer carried out 376 jumps. Air Devils' team participated in the first National Sky Diving Championship in 1991 and won both the coveted first position and the Chief of Air Staff Trophy. Flt Lt Sai participated in many prestigious Sky Diving demonstrations throughout the country during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of IAF. The 'Air Devils' was placed overall second during the National Sky Diving Championship in 1993. On 18 Sep 93, Flt Lt Sai, while preparing the 'Air Devil s' for the National Championship, met with the tragic end during a para descent.

Flt Lt Sai always rose beyond the call of duty and actively participated in adventurous activities and brought laurels to IAF. He displayed courage and determination and was the sheet anchor of the 'Air Devils', wherein he set exceptional standards and was a great source of inspiration.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt KVS Sai.

MWO Raghbir Singh Shan has been on the posted strength of Parachute Training School, AF since 1966.

During his Chequered tenure of 27 years as PJI, he has creditably trained an incredibly high number of 5800 Paratroopers, 130 NCC cadets and 75 PJIs. His exceptional professional acumen was amply demonstrated, when during OP Pawan, he carried out IL-76 conversion training of 250 Special Task Commando troops of a para battalion, in a single day, thus ensuring immediate readiness of the troops for participation in the Airborne Operations.

MWO has more than 600 incident-free para descents to his credit which he achieved during 1300 hours of flying experience. Highly motivated, the MWO has always been in the forefront for trial jumps of new parachutes. He has been instrumental in induction of various indigenously fabricated parachutes for training and operational roles. He voluntarily carried out trial descents of indigenous High Altitude Parachutes, with airborne container for carriage of heavy arms. He is the first PJI to undertake perilous low level trials of parachutes at High Altitude Dropping Zones and low level parachute trials 500 feet AGL. The MWO even at the age of 49 continues to be in the forefront to undertake trials which demand exceptionally quick reflexes.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to MWO Raghbir Singh Shan.

Cpl Subrata Bose is on the posted strength of Helicopter Training School since May 89.

On 19 Nov 92, Cpl Bose was detailed to proceed to Adoni on detachment for flood relief operations. Besides servicing Helicopter, Cpl Bose was asked by the Captain to assist the crew in winching operations. Cpl Bose readily agreed and was taken on board the helicopter for a winch operation involving the rescue of 44 marooned people, who were stranded on the roof of a kutcha structure.

As the helicopter was manoeuvered over the stranded people, Cpl Bose was winched down to the roof to assist the evacuees in securing themselves onto the winch cable. The villagers were reluctant to be winched up and away to safety, leaving behind their homes and belongings. Moreover, language proved to be the major communication barrier with the villagers. Cpl Bose through sheer perseverance convinced the villagers of the need for evacuation. Time was running out on the endurance of the helicopter besides the fact that the roof on which Cpl Bose and the villagers were standing could have caved in any time. Each of the 44 persons were strapped onto the winch cable securely and evacuated to safety. In true spirit of Air Force traditions, Cpl Bose chose to be the last for being winched up.

For this act of exceptional courage and sincerity, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Cpl S Bose.

Wg Cdr M Bhandari has been the Commanding Officer (CO) of a MiG-21 Bis fighter squadron (Sqn) since 26 Oct 92.

On 27 Dec 93, Wg Cdr Bhandari was authorised to fly a dual check sortie by night with a trainee pilot in a MiG-21 trainer aircraft (ac). The sortie involved practice circuits, approaches and overshoots from round off height. Round off height for MiG-21 ac is about one meter, at which the pilot reduces the approach angle so as to fly the ac parallel to the runway just before landing. In the third approach, the trainee pilot was asked to fly away after round off for practicing another circuit and approach. As the engine accelerated to 100% revolutions per minute (rpm) a shallow climb was initiated by the trainee pilot. However, after climbing to about 15 meter height, the engine flamed out. Wg Cdr Bhandari immediately took over the controls and handled the situation in a most professional, courageous and cool manner and landed the ac safely on the runway. Considering that it was night and at a height of 15 meters the runway lights are not visible thus denying any visual reference most essentially required for landing the ac, his handling of this grave emergency is laudatory. By his sheer courage and professionalism he was able to avert a catastrophe, which could have been fatal to the occupants and also resulted in the loss of an ac costing approximately three and a half crores. He not only managed to land the ac without any damage but also exercised proper control thereafter and cleared the ac off the runway in order to facilitate recovery of other ac airborne at that time. In keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force, Wg Cdr Bhandari displayed exceptional courage and airmanship in averting an almost certain fatal disaster.

For this exceptional courage the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wg Cdr Mukesh Bhandari.

Sqn Ldr K Palit has been on the posted strength of a Jaguar Squadron since.13 May 91. He has been the Flight Commander of this Sqn since Jun 93.

On 13 Dec 93, Sqn Ldr K Palit was authorised to flight test one Jaguar aircraft (ac). While climbing he noticed hydraulic pressure of both systems dropping to zero. A few weeks back, another Jaguar ac on the station had encountered precisely the similar problem and the pilot had to eject because undercarriage could not be lowered to enable the ac to land. Court of Inquiry had been instituted but because of lack of evidence, no answers could be found. Sqn Ldr Palit tried all methods and procedures prescribed in the book, but without achieving any success in lowering the undercarriage. Under such circumstances ejection is mandatory. However, knowing that if he abandoned the ac not only another precious ac would be destroyed but also crucial evidence would be lost, Sqn Ldr Palit, knowing fully well the risk to his own life, very courageously offered to belly land the ac. This was, however, vetoed. Sqn Ldr Palit flew the virtually doomed ac for the next one hour or so trying various methods to lower the undercarriage. Eventually a desperate and nonstandard procedure of shutting off entire DC power supply was suggested from the ground. Sqn Ldr Palit, very courageously, took this action knowing fully well that it entailed the grave risk of failure of ac controls at low level - leaving no margin for a safe ejection. These actions resulted in main wheels of the ac coming down. With barely sufficient fuel for just 3 ­ 4 minutes of engine running time, he executed an excellent flapless landing.

These courageous actions on part of Sqn Ldr Palit saved a valuable ac which provided conclusive evidence and help resolve the affliction that had led to such occurrence on Jaguar ac.

For this act of exceptional courage the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Sqn Ldr Kalyan Palit.

Flying Officer Sanjay Malik is on the posted strength of a MiG-21 Bis Squadron of Air Force since 01 Apr 91.

On 13 Oct 93 he was authorised to fly a practice interception sortie. During the sortie he observed that the fuel gauge was indicating a rapid loss of fuel. On looking in the rear view mirror he saw a dense white smoke trail. Displaying exceptional presence of mind and maintaining his calm, he recognised it as a massive fuel leak from his aircraft. He also realised that such a fuel leak could lead to his aircraft catching fire and exploding in the air with a possibility of losing his life. In any case his aircraft had soon run out of fuel necessitating an ejection resulting in a definite loss of a valuable aircraft.

Fg Offr S Malik, with utter disregard to his own safety and with great courage and fortitude remained with the aircraft. Assessing the situation that the nearest airfield Bhuj was not available, he imme diately turned towards base i.e. Naliya Airfield which was still 80 km. away. He made a quick calculation of available time (eight minutes) before his engine would flame out. This entailed returning to base which was approximately seven minutes away. He planned a straightin direct approach towards this, he promptly accelerated to 950 kmph speed, declared his emergency and coolly sought assistance of the local radar to position his ac directly on final approach. Despite risk to his life, he handled the emergency in an exceptionally professional manner­notwithstanding his limited total service flying experience of only 570 hours and carried out a successful landing. On landing, the fuel available in his aircraft was for one minute's flying only, indicative of the grave emergency he had handled. In handling the grave emergency, Fg Offr S Malik displayed exceptional courage in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. Safe recovery of ac provided vital evidence during investigations, which would go a long way in instituting remedial measures for future.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Fg Offr Sanjay Malik.