Group Captain Bijender Singh Siwach AVSM VM (12413) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the IAF on 13 Jun 70 and has been the Commander of IAF contingent Sierra Leone-2000, UNAMSIL since 15 Mar 2000.

Gp Capt BS Siwach, an outstanding officer and an exceptional flier, has more than 6000 hours of accident/incident free flying to his credit. He is an A-2 qualified flying instructor, graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has had eminently successful tenure as Commanding Officer, Mi-8 and Mi- 17 units and Station Commander, Air Force Station, Sarsawa. He is a recipient of 'Vayu Sena Medal' and 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' for distinguished service of exceptional order.

A Joint Army-Air Force operation named 'Op Khukri' was launched on 15 Jul 2000 to rescue 22 Indian Troops and 11 Military Observers of United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, from the Clutches of Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels. Gp Capt BS Siwach was actively involved in the joint planning of the operation right from the conception phase and contributed immensely towards providing round the clock effective air support for the operation. The officer ensured the execution of the entire air operation in a very professional and daring manner. Under his dynamic leadership, the IAF Contingent helicopters flew 108 sorties/66.55 hours under extremely adverse weather conditions over most inhospitable hilly and thickly forested terrain in the face of the threat from the rebels. His very close monitoring and control of the air operation helped a great deal towards the most needed swiftness without compromising the safety of contingent air assets. Gp Capt BS Siwach ensured a very effective and continuous air umbrella over the area of operations which was instrumental in the grand success of the Op Khukri, in the shortest possible time of less than two days.

For his distinguished service of a high order under operational conditions, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Group Captain Bijender Singh Siwach.

Squadron Leader Ramanarayanan Ramesh (18735) AE (M) is posted to PHS with effect from 18 Mar 2000 on deputation to UN Peace Keeping Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) as the Chief Engineering Officer and the Senior Technical Officer (Mi-8) of the IAF Contingent Sierra Leone-2000.

On 14 Jun 2000, Mi-8 helicopter Z-2356 developed Main Gear Box (MGB) abnormality during flight and force landed on a road near Rogberi. Post flight inspection revealed internal damage to the MGB and its change was the only option available to recover the helicopter. Rogberi was the last of the positions held by UNAMSIL, forces and remained under continuous rebel threat. Sqn Ldr RN Ramesh, along with the technical team moved by road to Rogberi on 15 Jun 2000 to undertake this daunting and challenging task. The MGB change was carried out in area where continuous exchange of gunfire between UNAMSIL troops and rebels was taking place. The task was made even more challenging by the incessant rain. Under the able guidance of Sqn Ldr RN Ramesh, the job was completed in less than two days enabling the helicopter to be recovered on 16 Jun 2000.

During 'Op Khukri' Sqn Ldr Ramesh undertook all the tasks assigned to him with great zeal and ardour. He set up a make shift DSS at Kenema within a couple of hours of his arrival there, thus facilitating the quick turn around of the aircraft between missions. He played a vital role in the success of the mission by ensuring 100% serviceability at all time. With his dedicated effort the Mi-8s flew 116 missions during the operation and all Mi-8 helicopters were readily available for any operational requirement.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Ramanarayana Ramesh.