On 22 Oct 2001, at 1330 hr, four Pakistani terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba, who were armed, attacked the main gate of the Air Force Station Awantipora. Their aim was to gain access inside The Air Force Station and create havoc by destroying Aircraft, Missile Complexes and to create panic amongst personal and their families. The terrorists were armed with AK-47 assault rifles and high explosive had grenades.

NC(E) Prakash, SG was on duty at the main gate. On sighting the intruders, he challenged them to their identity and refused to open the gate. On further jostling by the terrorist, he raised the alarm to alert the sentries on duty realizing the impending danger to his life. He was shot at from point blank range, but he continued to obstruct the intruders from gaining access into the Main Guard Room and succumbed to the terrorist bullets. NC(E) Prakash attained martyrdom and laid down his life to facilitate the security forces to take vantage position to vanquish the terrorists. He displayed exceptional courage and acted in the best traditions of the Air Warriors at The Indian Air Force.

NC(E) Prakash Shivaji Gangvane displayed conspicuous valour, raw courage, presence of mind and sacrificed his life while eliminating the terrorists.

On 22 Oct 2001, at 1330 hrs, four Pakistani terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba, who were armed, attacked the main gate of the Air Force Station Awantipora. Their aim was to gain access inside The Air Force Station and create havoc by destroying Aircraft, Missile Complexes and to create panic amongst personal and their families. The terrorists were armed with AK-47 assault rifles and high explosive had grenades.

Sep Satish Barde was on duty at the SLR DSC post at the time of attack. Through his keen sense of alertness, he reacted to the situation immediately and alerted the other two guards of his post. He instantly opened fire from his SLR towards the vehicle from where the terrorists initially opened fire. He restricted the advancement of the terrorists towards the main gate by seriously injuring two of them through his concentrated firepower. He positioned himself strategically in his post amidst heavy fire and inflicted casualties on the terrorists. Unmindful of the risk to his own life, he relentlessly continued to direct the firepower and guide the people in action on to the terrorists till all of them were killed. Had the terrorists gained the access inside the station it would have been catastrophic for the Air Base.

Sep Satish Barade displayed conspicuous valour, raw courage and presence of mind while eliminating the terrorists.