During Oct 84, there was an urgent requirement of air maintenance at GYONG LA 3 post, situated at 4750 meters in the SIACHEN GLACIER. The post has constantly remained under the surveillance of opposing forces. Prevailing severe winter conditions made it imperative that air drops of fibre Glass Huts and Kerosene be carried out on utmost priority. Mi-8 helicopter, while operating in this area is not only fraught with danger of operating beyond its flight envelope, but each mission at Gyong La 3 post, came under heavy machine gun fire from opposing forces. Squadron Leader Suhas Clement Solomon (10987) Flying (Pilot) was specially chosen for this High Risk task. Unmindful of his personal safety, he displayed unflinching courage, determination, dedication and successfully flew 45 missions in 4 days, and carried out precision drops inspite of marginal weather conditions. To avoid coming under machine gun fire from opposing forces, he had perforce to fly at height as low as 10 meters. His actions not only alleviated the sufferings of the troops and raised their morale but were highly appreciated by Senior Army and Air Force Officers.

Sqn Ldr SC Solomon has so far flown 211 High Risk missions over the SIACHIN GLACIER area since Apr 84, inclusive of 60 missions at Gyoug La 3 post. He has airlifted 90.225 tons of vital combat loads and essential supplies. In an outstanding feat in those operations, he created history in helicopter aviation by landing Mi-8 helicopter at a height of 4700 meters with the purpose of evaluating the helipad for landing of expensive and short supplied Fibre Glass Huts, which were suffering damage in spite of low drops.

Sqn Ldr Solomon has flown a total of 4257 operational sorties to date, of which 4000 sorties are from helipads in Eastern and Northern hills. For exhibiting total dedication, devotion to duty, exemplary professional competence and dauntless courage while operating in hazardous terrain, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Suhas Clement Solomon.