Wing Commander Vivek Vikash Bandopadhay (15863) Flying (Pilot) is the Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Unit Air Force since 23 April 97.

On 22 October 97, one helicopter of his unit was compelled to force land at an altitude of 19250 ft near 'Amar' while operating in Op Meghdoot area. The force landing point was very close to enemy position and within their firing range. On receiving news, Wing Commander Bandopadhay immediately initiated the action to retrieve the aircraft despite very difficult circumstances.

He immediately flew in to 'Amar' to assess if the helicopter could be flown out. On confirming that the aircraft could be flown out from the forced landing point after rectification, he flew in a second sortie the same day with necessary equipment and manpower. This time he was unable to land due to heavy enemy firing. He made the third successful attempt on the next day and got the helicopter rectified. However, the aircraft could not be flown out due to persistent enemy firing. On 24 October 97, sensing that any further delay in flying out the stranded aircraft could result in its loss due to enemy firing, Wing Commander Bandopadhay decided to take a bold step. He started up and flew out the aircraft in the face of enemy firing. The helicopter had suffered significant collateral damage due to enemy shelling but was flown out safely to the base camp.

Wing Commander Bandopadhay executed this task with utmost courage and with complete disregard to his personal safety. In this action of retrieving the helicopter, he showed complete dedication to duty, exceptional qualities of leadership and courage.

For his devotion to duty and professional courage, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Vivek Vikash Bandopadhay.

On 26 December 2004, Air Force Station Carnicobar was devastated by a severe earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale, lasting for ten to fifteen minutes, followed by Tsunami waves. As the disaster struck, Group Captain Bandopadhay, unmindful of his personal safety, rushed to all accessible areas of Air Force Station exhorting and guiding people to move to safer areas. While moving around the Station , he met the CO of Helicopter unit and requested him to immediately launch a helicopter sortie. This led to prompt rescue operation and ultimately saved hundreds of lives. In the process, he also entered a submerged area to rescue a stranded child. Even as huge Tsunami waves were approaching the area, he took several women and children in his vehicle and dropped them to a safer place. In process, he was hit by the wave and washed away. He somehow managed to hold on to a tree for a couple of hours to save his life. As water receded, he continued his mission of search and rescue and providing succor to devastated people.

Throughout he displayed exemplary courage and fortitude.