Squadron Leader Kulwant Singh Gill is on the posted strength of one of the helicopter Units since 01 Jul 87. He was selected as a member of the Air Force Contingent for the Eighth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The Air Force team was given the task to airlift large quantities of bulk and heavy construction material to the site of the second Indian Station, Maitri in Antarctica. Sqn Ldr gill undertook the missions repeatedly with consistent accuracy to avoid huge obstruction of the ship's crane only a meter away from the rotor tips.

On 25 Dec 88, he was the Captain of a Helicopter which was to take vital Cargo from the ship to Maitri. The helicopter developed engine compressor split of 10% just after take off from the ship. Sqn Ldr Gill maintained his calm and flew the helicopter towards Dakshin Gangotri and carried out a perfect forced landing on the ice shelf with practically only one engine developing full power.

For this conspicuous courage and gallantry at Antarctica, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Kulwant Singh Gill.

Group Captain Kulwant Singh Gill VM (15220) Flying (Pilot) has been the Contingent Commander of the Indian Aviation Contingent (IAC), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 14 Aug 2003.

Gp Capt Gill has displayed professionalism of a very high order as Commander of the largest IAF contingent ever sent on a UN Peace Keeping Operation under hostile and operational conditions. The officer's judgment of situations in an alien and hostile environment enabled him to develop a concept of operations that has earned accolades from all echelons of the UN. Under his leadership, in the last ten months, the Contingent has flown over 2000 hrs, which has been a key factor in the expansion of the UN's ambit from a few urban centres to a continuous swath of approximately 1000 km along the eastern DRC.

He was instrumental in the recovery of a crash-landed Mi-25 that was resting precariously on a down slope. The officer camped on site and personally led recovery of the helicopter in spite of the volatile security situation. After safe recovery of the aircraft, he flew it back to base without any outside support.

While continuing to accomplish the UN task with flair, the Indian Contingent has also earned a lot of goodwill from the local Congolese population. He has organised numerous medical and food camps for benefit of the local populace. The “Run for Peace", organised by the Contingent, saw participation of thousands of Congolese and was widely appreciated. The high degree of discipline and professionalism displayed by the Contingent has also come in for praise from all quarters. The Force Commander of the UN Mission in Congo has gone on record stating that IAC was a model worth emulating and urged Commanders of all participating countries to visit it. The officer has thus continually portrayed a befitting image of the Nation and the Service at an international forum.

For his exemplary display of professionalism and dedication to duty under operational conditions, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Group Captain Kulwant Singh Gill VM.