Details : | Wing Commander Vijay Yadav (22909) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 05 Mar 94. He took over command of an Advanced Light Helicopter unit on 01 Aug 11. At a time when the unit was undergoing induction of ALH MK-III and with shortage of experienced aircrew for the new aircraft, he led by example and was one of the first to fly the new machine in the treacherous operating conditions of Operation Rahat. He flew extensively in the flood hit area in Kedarnath valley and rescued numerous stranded pilgrims while operating from Gauchar, Guptkashi and Joshimath helipads. On 01 July 2013, he was tasked with the mission of evacuating casualties from the Badrinath. He successfully negotiated the inclement weather and carried out shuttles to rescue stranded and sick pilgrims. All of these missions were carried out in marginal weather where the aircraft was operating at the limits of its capabilities. With inclement weather hampering operations also in Kedarnath valley for almost a week, he displayed highest standards of courage, leadership and maturity and planned and executed missions in the limited window of clear weather to drop relief materials, Doctors and NDRF personnel. As Detachment Commander at Gaucher, he exhibited exemplary maturity and skills in ensuring mission accomplishment in the most professional manner. During the entire operation he was inspiration for the unit pilots to emulate and evacuated more than 200 stranded pilgrims himself. It was only due to his meticulous planning that availability of ALH MK-1 and ALH MK-III helicopters was ensured for uninterrupted relief operations. Under his exemplary command and guidance, the unit flew more than 260 hrs, 600 sorties, evacuated more than 1900 stranded pilgrims, tourists and foreign national and dropped more than 60 tons of relief materials in the inhospitable terrain of the flood affected areas of Uttarakhand. For this act of exceptional courage. Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Wing Commander Vijay Yadav. |