Flight Lieutenant Unni Krishnan Palat (12733) Accounts, was specially selected for a High Altitude, “Paratroopers Nanda Devi Expedition”, as advisor cum specialist in Air Borne Operations and leader of a Sub Patrol. The task entailed recce of general area Nanda Devi, climbing various passes, glaciers, ridges, high points and attempt the highest peak of Nanda Devi Main 25645 ft. and Nanda Devi East 24391 ft.

Apart from carrying out his own task and responsibilities, he provided intimate support on a number of occasions to other Patrols when operating on technical hazardous route at height above 18000 ft. by personally carrying and delivering their mostly critical needed items to such spots, where carriage of extra ounce mattered.

On 14th September, 1981, he was almost killed by a falling rock when the impact was taken by his rucksack. Undeterred by the incident, he continued to provide support and facilitated in speedy road opening. Subsequently when the responsibility of fixing the most hazardous route at height between 21000 to 22000 ft. was placed on him, he achieved the same most successfully, against many odds, mainly due to his willed perseverance, sustained courage and exemplary leadership.

On 27th September, 1981, he exhibited a tremendous spirit of sacrifice by handing the entire food and fuel to the other patrol, when they demanded, and he along with his team remained hungry for almost 24 hours.

On 6th October, 1981, he organized a detailed and thorough search and rescue mission, involving prolonged strenuous activity at high altitudes to locate two members of the expedition and returned only after ascertaining that they had met with a fatal accident. The very next day, knowing fully well the dangerous route ahead and undeterred by the incidents, he not only completed the Recce task on schedule but repeated the ascent to Nanda Devi East from different route, and successfully climbed the summit at 1430 hours on the 7th October, 1981. By doing so, his patrol comprising 11 members was the first ever to achieve a rare distinction to scaling the prestigious and technically most difficult Nanda Devi East (24391 ft.)

Flight Lieutenant Unni Krishnan Palat has thus displayed exemplary sustained courage, spirit of selfless sacrifice and an exceptional devotion to duty.