Number Name Branch Died in Service? Picture?


Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir

Service No & Branch 17143 F(P)
Date of Birth: 28 Apr 1962 Commissioned: 29 May 1983 Course: 131 Course
Service End: Died in Service 28 May 1999 (37 Years age) Aircraft Loss Nick Name :
Qualifications Held :
Remarks :
Promotions Gazetted
Sqn Ldr : 28 May 1994
Training and Other Courses Attended
62 NDA (Cadet) - 01 Jun 1982
Badges Qualified
 
Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "R Pundir"
Notes:1)Branch is at retirement and may not match with branch at Commission 2)Notional seniority is reflected in dates of substantive rank.

Appointments, Postings & Other Service Particulars

DatesRankUnitLocationAppointmentPhoto
- 01 Dec 1985Fg OffrNo.114 Helicopter Unit Squadron Pilot
 
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Awards and Decorations


Number of Awards: 1
 
Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn LdrRajiv Pundir17143 F(P)Award Date Announced 15 Aug 1999
Details :

Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir (17143-R) Flying (Pilot) was on the posted strength of a Mi-17 Helicopter Unit since 12 May 98.

On 28 May 99, Sqn Ldr Pundir was tasked to fly a live strike against enemy positions at point 5140, located at an inhospitable altitude of 5.1 Kms. While undertaking the mission, Sqn Ldr Pundir was fully aware that the area was infested with missiles and that the only counter measure against the missile was not fitted on his helicopter. Realising the importance of the mission, Sqn Ldr Pundir boldly accepted the challenge and with total disregard to personal safety went ahead with the strike. Having successfully pressed home the attack, during the break away, Sqn Ldr Pundir's helicopter was hit by a Stinger missile. Despite his best efforts to assist control the damaged helicopter it crashed killing Sqn Ldr Pundir and all the crew members.

Displaying a very high level of professional competence and courage, Sqn Ldr Pundir had already undertaken two strike missions in the treacherous terrain of the Dras sub sector. These missions achieved astounding success and were the key to subsequent easy recapture by the ground forces. In his action, Sqn Ldr Pundir displayed exceptional courage and acted in keeping with the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

For this act of exceptional courage the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Sqn Ldr Rajiv Pundir, Posthumous.

Unit : 152 HU
Reference : Gazette of India dated 11th March 2000 - No.27-Pres/2000 dated 15th August 2000

Accidents and Incidents: 1

DateAircraft TypeTail NoPilot/CrewUnitRemarks
28 May 1999Mil Mi-17Flt Lt Subramaniam Mulihan +
Sqn Ldr Rajiv Pundir +
152 HUSD by Pak Army Sting
The data in the header section of this page comes from the Gazette of India - Click here to see the source
Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.