On the 10th January, 1980, Flying Officer Rahul Dhar experienced a flame out while flying a Gnat aircraft. His three attempts to relight the aircraft failed and the aircraft continued to lose height. Even in this critical situation without abandoning the aircraft, he decided to force land. By this time he was able to lower the undercarriage through the time consuming emergency system because the hydraulic control had suddenly failed, he found himself to approaching the runway from too high an altitude and at a speed 70 knots more than permitted for normal landing. Fully aware of the disastrous consequences of landing in such circumstances, he remained cool, controlled the 'float' of the aircraft and touched half-way up the runway at that high speed. Facing again an equally hazardous situation, resulting from fast running out of landing space and risk of excessive braking to stop the aircraft, he made full use of his professional skill and brought the aircraft to a safe halt at the very end of the runway.

In this action, Flying Officer Rahul Dhar displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

Wing Commander Rahul Dhar, SC was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 13 Jun 76. An A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor and a Test Pilot, he has 3700 hours of accident free flying. He was awarded Shaurya Chakra in 1980.

He assumed command of a Jaguar Squadron in Apr 95. During his tenure of one year, the Squadron flew 2632 sorties amounting to 2413 hours. Of this, he flew 320 hours himself. He displayed boundless enthusiasm to ensure that his Squadron carried out realistic role oriented training. All operational pilots became qualified on the specialist equipment of the squadron in record time. The officer was also instrumental in evolving and implementing specialised tactics for the Squadron. A considerable improvement in the overall operational status of the Squadron emerged as a result of his efforts.

At Wg Cdr Dhar's initiative, a new take off and departure technique was formulated, tested and implemented. This ensured the maximum possible protection from bird hits.

He flew the lead aircraft for the Air Force and Republic Day flypasts; both of which earned the appreciation of one and all.

Due to his non stop effort, a noticeable improvement in the Avionics serviceability and an appreciable change in the Squadron work culture was achieved. Many innovative welfare measures were instituted which helped greatly in raising morale.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Rahul Dhar, SC.