Wing Commander Ashim Kumar Banerjee is posted to a Helicopter Unit. He has been operating from Jaffna in support of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. On the evening of 20th Oct 87, he had to execute a mission wherein the troops had to be landed in an area surrounded by LTTE hostile elements. His helicopter was hit by small arms while landing at the landing zone. The rotor blades and one external fuel tank were demented. Wing Commander A Banerjee assessed the damage and thereafter managed to take off and land back safely at base. Next morning he again flew mission in the similar hostile environment wherein his helicopter again suffered bullet damage.

Wing Commander Banerjee has flown 85 operational sorties in Jaffna peninsula during the thick of hostilities.

For courage of an exceptional order in the face of the enemy and displaying professional acumen of the highest order which resulted in saving of an aircraft and costly lives of the occupants, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva to Medal Wing Commander Ashim Kumar Banerjee.