Sqn Ldr Harjinder Pal Singh Natt is on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Helicopter Units since 30 Jul 88.

Sqn Ldr Natt was a member of the VIII Antarctica Expedition because of wide experience on Mi-8 and Chetak helicopters. He has flown a total of 186 hrs and over 370 sorties in the treacherous Antarctica environment, which is a record.

On 08 Jan 90, Sqn Ldr Natt was Captain of the aircraft, which landed at a Camp, to discover the tragedy leaving four expedition members dead. Overcoming the initial shock, he helped evacuating the dead to Maitri camp. On 13 Feb 90, the expedition doctor Major CS Joshi slipped on hard plus ice and was seriously injured. Sqn Ldr Natt, with his presence of mind immediately prepared a sling and administered first aid to Major Joshi. On getting airborne from the accident site with casualty on board it was found that both, the expedition leader and the senior surgeon, whose presence was necessary for further medical treatment, were away from Maitri camp. Sqn Ldr Natt immediately took charge of the situation and went to locate the senior surgeon. Sqn Ldr Natt's professional skill, determination in evacuating the causality and yet carrying on with the tasks at hand were of the highest order.

For his selfless sacrifices, skill and determination in evacuating the causality under the most trying circumstances, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr HPS Natt

Wing Commander Harjinder Pal Singh Natt is commanding the Mi-17 Helicopter Unit located at 30 Wing, Air Force since 10 May 1993.

During September, States of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh were extensively affected by devastating floods. Helicopters were pressed into service to bring succor to the flood victims. On 12 September, 1995 there was massive landslide, north of Kulu, wherein scores of civilians were trapped in the fast flowing Beas River. These people had lost all hope of survival. On being informed about this, Wg Cdr Natt went along with Wg Cdr Mann, (Commanding Officer Cheetah Dett) and rushed to the site in a Cheetah helicopter. Proximity of electric and telephone cables precluded the chances of rescue. Under these circumstances, Wg Cdr Natt alighted himself on a large rock and the helicopter returned to Kulu for removal of doors in order to facilitate rescue.

As the helicopter returned, Wg Cdr Natt got into the act and he physically pulled out two survivors from the fast flowing Beas, standing on the skids of the helicopter. While doing so, Wg Cdr Natt showed phenomenal presence of mind in planning and executing this act of bravery. The situation was always dangerous but he hung on, in the presence of thousands of stranded people, who gave a standing ovation during and after the mission. Besides personal achievement, this act is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Air Force and vindicated the motto – “The Angels from the Skies”.

Wing Commander Harjinder Pal Singh, thus, displayed courage, determination and dedication with utter disregard to his personal safety.