Wing Commander Sharad Tewari (16616) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 11 Dec 1981. He has over 5000 h of accident/incident free flying to his credit, which includes over 1500 h of instructional flying. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. He has held the appointment of Flight Commander of a Helicopter Unit. During his tenure as Flight Commander, the unit was adjudged the best helicopter unit in Western Air Command. He has been the Chief Operations Officer of a flying Station. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of a Chetak/Cheetah flight since 17 Aug 2001.

Ever since taking over of the command, Wg Cdr Tewari has strived hard to bring about an all-round improvement in the functioning of the unit. As a result of his dedicated efforts, meticulous planning and personal involvement, the unit achieved 100% serviceability of Cheetah helicopters for over 280 days and of Chetak helicopters for over 75 days. In this period the unit flew over 3000 h without any accident/incident. The unit successfully undertook two mercy missions at a short notice in the high mountainous regions of Bhutan in marginal weather conditions and evacuated three American nationals to safety. Also, in Jul 2002 the unit undertook flood relief with two helicopters ex-Bhita in Bihar. These acts brought laurels not only to the unit but also to the IAF. During surprise inspection by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) in Apr-May 2002, the unit was assessed 'high average' in all three disciplines of operations, maintenance and administration. During the Aircrew Examining Board visit in Oct 2002, six out of ten pilots, who appeared, upgraded their flying category/instrument rating. The unit achieved over 90% categorisation status.For his exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Sharad Tewari.