Flight Lieutenant Kambampati Nachiketa (22930) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Fighter Squadron of the Air Force since 13 Sept 97.

On 27 May 99, he was authorised to fly as a wingman in a two aircraft live rocket firing mission over enemy camp during Op "Safed Sagar". During the sortie, after successful attack, he noticed that aircraft engine had flamed out. His height above the hilly terrain was less and it warranted abandoning of aircraft by resorting to ejection. Instead, he controlled the aircraft promptly, jettisoned the external loads and carried out an auto relight of the engine. Now since the aircraft was losing height and Auto Relight was taking time, he ejected only as a last resort.

On ejecting, he found himself in enemy territory. On seeing enemy troops approaching him, he fired at them and in the mean time took all precautions to hide and destroy all the confidential information that he had with him.

Despite his valiant attempt to escape at high altitude without acclimatization he was overpowered by a large number of enemy personnel and taken prisoner. He resisted all attempts of harassment and torture both physical and mental and refused to divulge even a single piece of military information. Flight Lieutenant K Nachiketa did his very best to save a valuable aircraft while flying over enemy infested area and later when confronted with the enemy, acted with great courage and determination in keeping with the best traditions of the Air Force.

For these acts of exceptional courage in the presence of the enemy, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Flight Lieutenant Kambampati Nachiketa.