Flying Officer Prakash Srivastava has been on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter units of the Air Force since 11 Dec. 84. He has been involved with “OPS MEGHDOOT" since then.

Flying Officer Srivastava has flown 950 sorties connected with “Ops Meghadoot" in a relatively short span of two years and nine months in the unit. During the month of September, 1987, he accomplished 120 hours of operational flying over the glacier.

On 21 Sep 87, Flying Officer Srivastava was on duty at the Base Camp for an immediate requirement at one of the posts in the forward area which was under heavy enemy fire. He immediately flew his machine to the heavy fire prone area and provided all possible support to the affected soldiers at the post. His task included troop induction, supply of communication and rations of the brave soldiers at the post, which is at an elevation of 19,250 feet and an average surface temperature of -10ºC to -15ºC. During his relentless part-icipation in operation VAJRA SHAKTI lasting six days, the pilot under took 51 sorties to this area of operation. On these days he flew from sunrise to sunset oblivious of his own personal manner. In this limited area of operation, where at least eight of mind and undertook the mission with commendable leadership and courage. Neither the enemy artillery shelling, nor flying fatigue or high altitude or sub - zero temperatures could interfere with his will and determination to complete the assigned mission.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and exemplary leadership and courage in the face of enemy artillery fire, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Flying Officer Ajai Prakash Srivastava.

Squadron Leader Ajai Prakash Srivastava (17471-G) Flying (Pilot) has been the Cdr of an FAC Flt since 20 Apr 98. On 19 May 99 when the Unit was tasked to position four ac at Srinagar, in preparation for 'Op Safed Sagar', the responsibility of Det Cdr was entrusted to him.

The task of AB FAC for fighter strikes was assigned to the Unit to overcome the problem of pin pointing enemy target positions on ground. He worked out an innovative idea of lighting up the target with coloured smoke from Arty fire and also carrying an Air Op pilot on board to direct this fire over targets. Missions undertaken incorporating the above were found to be very successful. Sqn Ldr AP Srivastava himself undertook numerous AB FAC missions in Dras, Batalik, Mashkoh areas and was instrumental in guiding fighter strikes over Tololing and Tiger Hill in particular. These missions required extensive and thorough planning on his part in not only avoiding heavy enemy small arms and rocket fire but also staying for as little time as possible in enemy missile range. Along with this he also undertook the training of other pilots so as to enable them to undertake these missions independently in the Tactical Battle Area. He also undertook numerous sorties towards deployment of MOP on LoC. In these demanding circumstances he succeeded in keeping the morale of entire detachment at its peak and brought out the best in them.

For his high standards of professionalism, dedication to his work and exceptional courage in trying circumstances, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Ajai Prakash Srivastava.