Group Captain Bibakar Ghose (4797) Flying (Pilot) was deputed as the Packet Task Force Commander for participating in Op Meghdoot at the stage of it launching in Apr 84. Gp Capt Ghose had to plan and execute the arduous task of air maintenance by Packet a/c in the Siachien Glacier area. The flying environment in the glacier is perhaps one of the most difficult areas in the world. This mountainous terrain covered with snow round the year experiences the worst of weather conditions like snow, blizzard, severe turbulence. As the Commander of the task force which was called up to operate in such a terrain, Gp Capt Ghose displayed exemplary qualities of leadership. Notwithstanding the difficulties in servicing the old vintage machines, the task force carried out a commendable job in achieving the task allotted at the beginning of operations. He and his boys flew a number of sorties in the proximity of enemy territory with possible intervention by enemy fighter, over those unchartered areas and with professional skill of the highest order he could deliver the urgently required supplies to the ground forces deployed in various parts of the glacier. To cap it up, the Dropping Zone in the area become frequently unmarked as the marking get obliterated quite often due to blizzards and snow. In the all white environment, flying on the fringes of performance limits of the aircraft and dropping at unmarked DZs under various weather conditions require all the courage and skill from the aircrew. Gp Capt Ghose displayed abundance of it and carefully planned training of other junior pilots to undertake these sorties. The most difficult task was made to look very routine and this was possible through determination and high sense of duty on the part of Gp Capt Ghose. The task force continues to carry out air maintenance in the Siachien Glacier.

When assigned the task of carrying out first ever night cross country to Leh and night landing there, the officer with his vast flying experience and outstanding professional ability, meticulously planned the night mission from Srinagar to Leh and back. On 13 Jul 84 Gp Capt Dibakar Ghose took off from Srinagar and airfield at 2230 hrs displaying great sense of commitment, captain of Packet aircraft and successfully landed the a/c at Leh at midnight.

He has displayed outstanding courage, qualities of leadership unmatched professional competence and devotion to duty in best traditions of the INDIAN AIR FORCE. The President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Group Captain Dibakar Ghose.