Wing Commander Sandeep Chhabra (16032-K) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 15 Jun 1980 in the Flying Branch of IAF. He is a Fighter Combat Leader, has been a Directing Staff at Combat Training School and a graduate of Defence Service Staff College.

On 03 May 99, Wg Cdr Chhabra was appointed Commanding Officer of a Mirage2000 Squadron. During Op Rakshak, he undauntingly faced the challenges put forth by a determined enemy in Kargil sector by leading a combat Sqn in a type of operations never experienced by the unit before. Under his command new tactics and procedures were evolved and utilised most gainfully.

Wg Cdr Chhabra flew 36 operational missions of which five were live bombing missions. He led his unit in operations by rare example and from the front. Under his command his Squadron flew 142 operational sorties in the Kargil Sector, releasing 225 bombs of various tonnage and eight state of the art laser guided bombs, effectively destroying numerous enemy targets.

On 08 Jul 99, Wg Cdr Chhabra was detailed to carry out an attack on enemy camp with 6 x 1000 lb bombs. Despite being threatened by three Surface to Air Missiles, fired at him, he continued with the attack successfully destroying the assigned target. On 10 Jul 99 Wg Cdr Chhabra was tasked to destroy enemy targets at Point 4388. While he was rolling into the attack, enemy aircraft were reported in the vicinity by own Air Defence Escorts. Despite the presence of an airborne threat and launching of a Surface to Air Missile in the dive, he successfully carried out an accurate attack totally destroying the target.

Wg Cdr S Chhabra, with his personal involvement, leadership and dedication inspired his unit in the successful destruction of numerous enemy targets thereby minimising attrition to our own forces as also shortening the duration of Kargil conflict.

For distinguished Service of most exceptional order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Sandeep Chhabra.