Vayu Sena Medal Awardee List


A total of 1387 Awards are listed.
Vayu Sena Medal : 1387 |
Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Bijoy Krishna Pandey 8990 F(P)Unit : -N.A.- Award Date Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

Flight Lieutenant Bijoy Krishna Pandey has been serving in an operational squadron since April 1969. On 18th August 1970, he was detailed to fly on a Courier flight from Kanpur to Allahabad. After getting airborne at 1835 hours, when approximately 70 miles from Allahabad the port engine generator of the aircraft failed. The starboard propeller also started behaving in an erratic manner. The resulting violent 'snaky' motion made it difficult to control the aircraft. Unperturbed, he operated the propeller control to feathered position to check its erratic behaviour, but it kept wind-milling at low R.P.M. He then used the Auxiliary Power Plant generator to operate essential electrical service. Soon thereafter, the cockpit lights flickered and the cockpit was plunged in darkness. Smoke began to emanate from the Auxiliary Power Plant, ruling out a restart. As the sparks in the voltage regulator indicated an electric short circuit, the attempt to regain electrical power was also abandoned. By this time, the night had set in and a hand torch had to be used to scan the instruments. With vital equipment failing in quick succession, the situation was very grave. Flight Lieutenant Pandey, who had meanwhile turned back to return to base, finally succeeded in making safe single engine landing at Allahabad.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Bijoy Krishna Pandey displayed courage, high professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Sohan Singh Heer 9055 F(P)Unit : -N.A.- Award Date 18 Dec 69 Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

Flight Lieutenant Sohan Singh Heer has been serving in an operational Squadron since July 1967. On 18th December 1969, he was detailed to fly as No. 2 in a four aircraft formation. During the out­bound­leg when the formation was approximately 110 nautical miles away from base, his aircraft was struck by a large bird on the port side of the cockpit. The cockpit was extensively damaged leaving a big hole. His left collar bone was fractured rendering his left arm completely unusable. His crash helmet visor was smeared with blood and small pieces of bird flesh obstructed his vision. The radio aerial had broken with the bird's impact, thus causing total loss of radio communications. Undaunted by his personal injuries and the hazards, he broke off from the formation, set course towards his base and put his radar transponder to "distress" and navigated the aircraft to base and executed a safe landing.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Sohan Singh Heer displayed determination and professional skill of a high order.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Samar Bikram Shah 9413 F(P)Unit : No.29 Squadron  Award Date 16 Mar 70 Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah has been serving in an operational Squadron since September 1968. He was detailed to fly on an exercise on the night of 16th March 1970.

On completion of the exercise, he rejoined the circuit to land. When he lowered the under carriage on the down wind leg at a height of 500 metres above ground level, his ailerons jammed and the aircraft rolled over to left and began to lose height. However, by dint of sheer force, he regained partial control of the aircraft and managed to get it into straight and level flight at a very low altitude. He then retracted the under­carriage and climbed upto 1,000 metres prior to making a second attempt to land. This he did by skillfully handling the controls, without any damage to the aircraft. Having recovered control of the aircraft, he would have been justified in abandoning it at a safe altitude, in view of the emergency he had experienced earlier. But with courage and skill, he successfully brought down the aircraft safely.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Somar Bikram Shah displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Sushil Agnihotri 9805 F(P)Unit : No.10 Squadron  Award Date 07 Oct 69 Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

Flying Officer (now Flight Lieutenant) Sushil Agnihotri has been serving in an operational Squadron since December 1968. On 7th October 1969, he was detailed to fly on a Sector reconnaissance sortie. On completion of the exercise, he joined the circuit for a landing. On the downwind leg, the undercarriage did not lock down due to a total hydraulic failure. He immediately selected the flying controls to manual and lowered the under­carriage with the emergency system. As he operated the flaps with the emergency system, the aircraft started a vicious roll to the left due to differential flap lowering. He tried to keep the aircraft under control, but the force required on the control column was so great that he was barely able to hold the aircraft level. He also observed that the brake accumulator pressure had gone down. He was by this time, running short of fuel. He decided to abandon the aircraft and transmitted a radio message to this effect. As he was attempting to head the aircraft in a safe direction and was gaining height to eject, he found that he could control the aircraft with only a slight and gradual loss of direction. Noticing this, he revised his decision to abandon the aircraft and decided to make one more attempt to land. The flying controls were in manual and even the aileron trimmer was not available to him. The brake pressure remained low and he was by now very short of fuel. However, he touched down right at the beginning of the runway, streamed the tail chute and shut down the engine. By judicious application of brakes, he managed to slow down the aircraft but then the brakes failed. Eventually, the aircraft went off the runway at very low speed and came to a stop without any damage.

Throughout, Flying Officer Sushil Agnihotri displayed professional skill, courage and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal
MWO Ajit Kishore Gupta 18733 ORUnit : -N.A.- Award Date Announced 26 Jan 71
Details : 18733 Master Warrant Officer Ajit Kishore Gupta has been serving in a transport Squadron since October 1963. He has flown a total of 4,981 hours out of which 1,396 hours have been on operations in the Jammu and Kashmir, NEFA and Nagaland areas. He has frequently volunteered for difficult and hazardous flying mission. He has achieved a high standard of professional skill. As a load master he has been instrumental in devising new techniques for loading and unloading aircraft thereby greatly increasing efficiency while improving the safety of aircraft.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Ajit Kishore Gupta displayed a high standard of professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
MWO Maleitra Ponappa Achappa 22860 ORUnit : No.44 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

22860 Warrant Officer Maletira Achappa Ponappa has been serving in a Transport Squadron since 1961. He has flown a total of 5,320 hours of which 2,190 hours are on operational flying in the Ladakh and NEFA Sectors. During the Chinese aggression in October 1962, he was load master of an aircraft which carried vital Army equipment to a high altitude forward landing ground. He exhibited much skill in speedy and safe unloading, using an unorthodox method with improvised equipment. He has carried out more than 530 sorties and over 510 supply dropping missions in Ladakh and NEFA areas. On 14th March, 1963, while on a supply mission in Ladakh, his aircraft suffered a technical failure in which one of the elevator control cables snapped. Only a part of the load could be dropped, the remainder which was stuck, on the transporters prevented the cargo doors from closing. He took prompt action and manually ejected the load single handed, as the ejection crew had collapsed due to lack of oxygen. Although himself exhausted, he closed the cargo doors and then carried the unconscious members of the ejection crew to the crew cabin and administered oxygen to revive them. Immediately thereafter he was called upon by the Captain to assist with the controls. With his timely help, it was possible for the aircraft to be brought back to base.

Throughout Warrant Officer Maletira Achappa Ponnappa displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal
WO Satnam Singh Walia 400498 ORUnit : No.6 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

400498 Warrant Signaller Satnam Singh Walia has been serving with a transport Squadron since September 1961. He has flown a total of 4,770 hours including 2,900 hours on operational missions in Jammu and Kashmir and NEFA. He has also assisted in training the new Signallers. He has always volunteered for additional missions and extra commitments, which has been a source of inspiration to his colleagues.

Throughout, Warrant Signaller Satnam Singh Walia displayed professional skill and devotion lo duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
WO Trevor Edwin Gade 400612 ORUnit : -N.A.- Award Date Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

400612 Warrant Flight Engineer Trevor Edwin Gade has been serving in an operational Squadron since May 1961. During this period he has flown a total of 4,140 hours of which 2,225 hours have been on operational sorties in Ladakh and NEFA. During the India-Pakistan conflict of 1965, he flew a total of 102 hours on operational missions, completely disregarding his personal comforts. A number of aircraft which were stranded in forward areas were retrieved as a result of rectifications carried out by him under adverse weather and most trying conditions.

Throughout, Warrant Flight Engineer Trevor Edwin Gade displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Bar to Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Narinder Singh Arora 4983 F(P)Unit : No.44 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 71
Details :

On 9th September 1969, Squadron Leader Narinder Singh Arora was conducting an aircrew categorisation test in a transport aircraft. During the flight, the aircraft suddenly skidded to the left. He and the second pilot, who was undergoing the test, struggled with the controls in an effort to keep the aircraft on an even keel. Having ensured that all the engines were functioning normally, he tried to trim the rudder with his trimming control but there was no response. Due to mechanical defect, the rudder trimmer had moved to fhe fully left position and was not responding to corrections. In spite of the efforts of both the pilots, the aircraft continued to lose direction and height. The incident occurred at a height of 2.3 KM and 15 miles west of the airfield. Eventually, Squadron Leader Arora fertrhered No. 4 engine and increased power of No. 1 aind this combination gave him just enough directional control to bring the aircraft down to a safe landing.

In this action, Squadron Leader Arora displayed cool courage and high professional still and thus saved a valuable aircraft and the lives of its crew.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 4th September 1971 - No.53 - Pres/71 dated 26th January 1971 

Vayu Sena Medal
Gp Capt Kottavathukal Thomas Abraham 3600 F(P)Unit : 501 Signal Unit  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Group Captain Kottavathukal Thomas Abraham was commanding a Signals Unit in the Western Sector. He was in control of an Air Defence Direction Centre and a number of Ground Control Interception and Early Warning Units. A number of Air Defence Artillery Brigades and Surface to Air Guided Weapons Squadrons were also placed under his functional control. In addition, a completely new system, including a chain of Observation Posts were inducted into the existing system. With sound planning, hard work and inspiring leadership, Group Captain Abraham accomplished all the tasks creditably. The ground work laid down by him prevented the enemy Air Force from carrying but any productive strike. When enemy aircraft attached and damaged some equipment of his unit, he made it possible for the unit to resume operations with commendable speed and also to handle the heavy volume of operational traffic.

Throughout, Group Captain Kottavathukal Thomas Abraham displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wg Cdr Somendra Kumar Roy 4032 F(P)Unit : No.11 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971 Wing Commander Somendra Kumar Roy was commanding a Transport Squadron. He was the Force Commander of his squadron aircraft that took part in the airborne operation on the 11th December, 1971. He planned and organised the operation and led his force with cool courage and earned out the airborne operation with great success.

In this action, Wing Commander Somendra Kumar Roy displayed courage, leadership and professional skill.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wg Cdr Johney William Greene 4093 F(P)Unit : No.2 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Johney William Greene was commanding a Fighter Squadron. He flew a number of operational missions in the form of Combat Air Patrol, sweeps and escort. On the 4th December, 1971, while he was on Combat Air Patrol mission, two F-104 aircraft attempted to attack an airfield. Even though he was alone in the air, he took offensive action and attacked the enemy aircraft. The enemy aircraft jettisoned the tanks and armament load and engaging the reheat, retreated towards their own territory.

Throughout, Wing Commander Johney William Greene displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Wg Cdr Man Singh 4094 F(P)Unit : Western Air Command  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

Wing Commander Man Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1951, and has been employed on the operational staff of Headquarters Western Air Command since June 1969. He improved the operational efficiency of the Squadrons under Western Air Command. He successfully organised and conducted numerous exercises to test the efficiency of the Squadrons. He contributed greatly to the formulation of the Operational Plans of the Command and his advice had always been very useful. He made a significant contribution towards the success of the plans of the Command Headquarters during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971.Throughout, Wing Commander Man Singh displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Wg Cdr Kumarapalayam Ramasubramaniam Natarajan 4270 AE(M)Unit : Eastern Air Command  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

Wing Commander Kumarapalayam Ramasubramaniam Natarajan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in February, 1952. He was posted as Senior Technical Staff Officer of Headquarters Eastern Air Command in January, 1970. From February, 1971 he has been functioning as Command Engineering Officer responsible for maintenance of all aircraft and airborne equipments including the provisioning responsibilities associated with it. There was need for streamlining and systematizing the modus operand so that timely action was initiated to ensure that spares were produced in a scientific manner. There was also the need for rationalising the second­line servicing aspects to ensure optimum efficiency. He infused a sense of urgency and understanding of the problem to the various units concerned and his efforts resulted in a high degree of serviceability of aircraft during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kumarapalayam Ramasubramaniam Natarajan displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Wg Cdr Anadi Shankar Sarkar 4273 AE(M)Unit : 8 Wing  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Anadi Shankar Sarkar was serving as Chief Technical Officer at an Operational Wing. With his personal example, man management, he ensured a very high rate of serviceability of air craft inspite of staggering number of sorties flown and the damage caused to the aircraft by enemy action. He was responsible for the expeditious repair of five aircraft which were unserviceable. Under his supervision and guidance, a very high rate of serviceability of specialist vehicles was ensured resulting in quick turn around of the aircraft. He had so geared up the station workshop that it manufactured certain items which were earlier considered beyond local capability.

Throughout Wing Commander Anadi Shankar Sarkar displayed initiative, professional knowledge and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wg Cdr Gandharva Sen 4429 F(P)Unit : 230 Signal Unit  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Gandharva Sen was commanding a Signal Unit. His unit stopped functioning only once despite the fact that it was subjected to twenty-nine enemy air attacks. Even on that one occasion, the disruption of power supply and damage to the equipment was rectified in about half an hour. When his Unit was called upon to perform the additional role of Air Defence Direction Centre, he rendered valuable assistance in arranging air defence of the tactical areas, protection of our own aircraft on offensive missions and organising aggressive action over enemy territory in the form of sweeps. Apart from the operational tasks directly connected with the Unit, he also carried out the task of training a large number of personnel from the Air Force to enable them to man the low level reporting system which functioning very well during hostilities.

Throughout, Wing Commander Gandharva Sen displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duly.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wg Cdr Keshav Dev Kanagat 4433 F(P)Unit : No.6 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Keshava Dev Kanagat was commanding a Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron. The work of maritime reconnaissance, search sighting and reporting and guidance carried out by the Squadron In close cooperation with the Indian Navy was of very vital importance to the Naval operations and contributed considerably towards the success of Naval operations both in the Western and Eastern Sectors. He carried out the maximum number and most hazardous missions himself and was a source of inspiration and courage lo his aircrew. It was largely due to him that the squadron carried out all maritime operations assigned to it successfully.

Throughout, Wing Commander Keshava Dev Kanagat displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wg Cdr Jagjit Singh Sawhney 4449 F(P)Unit : No.25 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Jagjit Singh Sawhney was commanding a Transport Squadron. Although his Squadron was deployed at three places, he remained in constant touch with all these detachments to ensure optimum work-out-put. He led his Squadron in airborne operations over Bangladesh and also took part in the airlift of an Infantry Brigade.

Throughout, Wing Commander Jagjit Singh Sawhney displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wg Cdr Rajaram Jayaram Ambegaonkar 4622 F(P)Unit : No.48 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Rajaram Jayaram Ambegaonker was commanding a Transport Squadron which was deployed In the Eastern Sector. He increased the output of his squadron and toned up the operational efficiency of aircrew and groundcrew. He also improved the serviceability state of his aircraft by organizing aircraft maintenance on a 24 hours basis. He led a section of aircraft in the airborne operation over Bangladesh on the 11th December, 1971, and the restraining strap on his aircraft gave way causing the premature extraction of a part of his load, he maintained control over the aircraft and completed the missions.

Throughout, Wing Commander Rajaram Jayaram Ambegaonkar displayed courage, leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Wg Cdr Gursharan Singh 4263 AE(M)Unit : 2 Wing  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Gursharan Singh was serving as the Chief Technical Officer of an Operational Wing. His sustained work resulted in a high rate of fighter and bomber serviceability. With complete disregard to personal comfort and undeterred by multifarious maintenance problems, he worked round the clock to produce excellent results.

Throughout, Wing Commander Gursharan Singh displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Sqn Ldr Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari 4954 AE(M)Unit : -N.A.- Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

Squadron Leader Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1955. During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari was serving as the Senior Armament Officer of an Operational Wing. He took over control of Squadron Armament work in addition to his normal duties. It was lately due to him that the Squadron was able to achieve a high rate of success in the operational sorties. He reduced the turn­round time of aircraft to a considerable extent and by intelligent analysis the bomb hang ups were reduced to virtually zero. He made significant contributions towards armament modifications and trials for carriage and launching of special stores from aircraft and thus considerably improved the operational capability of the Bomber aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari displayed professional skill, organising ability and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Satwant Singh 5010 F(P)Unit : No.23 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

Squadron Leader Satwant Singh has been a Senior Flight Commander of a Fighter Squadron for nearly five years. During the entire period, he devoted himself selflessly and trained the pilots to ensure the operational readiness of the Squadron. During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he led twenty Combat Air Patrol, sweep and escort missions setting an example to his pilots who put in their best efforts for the defence of the airfield.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Satwant Singh displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Amrit Mohan Mehta 5051 F(P)Unit : No.32 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Amrit Mohan Mehta was a Flight Commander of a Fighter Bomber Squadron. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a photo reconnaissance mission over an Airfield. Immediately on completion of his mission, he was intercepted by two enemy Sabres, but he jettisoned his external loads, manoeuvred his aircraft and thus avoided attack by the enemy aircraft. A little later while on his way back to base, he was chased by two enemy Mirages but he again skillfully manoeuvred his aircraft and avoided interception. Though his aircraft had run short of fuel and the engine flamed out a few kilometers away from his base, he carried out a dead stick landing and thus saved the valuable aircraft. The photographs brought by him gave information about enemy airfield, which were of immense value for further planning. In addition, he successfully led many strike missions, interdiction missions against enemy lines of communication and close air support missions.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Amrit Mohan Mehta displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Narinder Singh Verdi 5116 F(P)Unit : No.2 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Narinder Singh Verdi was serving as a senior pilot with a Fighter Squadron. On the 8th December, 1971, he went on a low level sweep mission as a number 3 in a four aircraft formation. After completion of the mission, as the formation was approaching the base, his aircraft was hit by a flock of three large birds and the aircraft including the engine was severely damaged. The wind­screen was smashed and the canopy was broken. He lost R/T contact and could see only the side of the cockpit. Despite the steady and progressive loss of engine thrust and the limited vision, he located the airfield and landed safely thus saving the valuable aircraft.

In this action, Squadron Leader Narinder Singh Verdi displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Wg Cdr Karam Singh 5132 AE(M)Unit : 1 Base Repair Depot  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details : During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Karam Singh was in charge of the Aircraft Servicing Division of the Base Repair Depot. He was responsible for carrying out major repairs and camera modification of a large number of aircraft. He inspired his men to work day and night and produced maximum number of aircraft in record time for operational use by the Squadrons.Throughout, Wing Commander Karam Singh displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.
Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Tehmurasp Ratanshaw Patel 5192 F(P)Unit : No.17 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Tehmurasp Ratanshaw Patel was serving with an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, he was No. 3 of a strike mission over Dacca airfield. He had difficulty in raising the undercarriage of his aircraft and by the time he was able to raise it, he was separated from the formation. On his own, he attacked and caused heavy damage to a goods train and also fired at many enemy positions before returning to base. On subsequent days, he carried out a number of strike missions. On the 11th December, 1971, Squadron Leader Patel along with another pilot took off for an attack on enemy bunkers in Rangpur area. After knocking out the bunkers while pulling out of the dive, the aircraft was hit by ground fire. Both the pilots sustained extensive injuries. Squadron Leader Patel was hit by splinters near his eyes which caused severe pain and bleeding. Inspite of the injuries, he brought the aircraft back to base.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Tehmurasp Ratanshaw Patel displayed courage, professional flying skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Sqn Ldr Ujal Singh Pruthi 5488 MEDUnit : AF Hospital, Jorhat  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ujjal Singh Pruthi was serving as a surgical specialist in on Air Force Hospital in the Eastern Sector. It was entirely due to his foresight and planning that the hospital could meet all demands placed on it. With his professional knowledge and administrative ability, he stepped up the hospital to a high state of efficiency. As the battle casualties started pouring in, he singlehanded carried out surgical operations for long periods. On one occasion, 41 casualties were attended to and emergency operations carried out in a period of 48 hours. On another occasion, when 22 casualties were brought in, he worked in the Operation Theatre for 36 hours at a stretch. The hospital treated 148 battle casualties during a period of ten days. As a result of prompt attention, all the cases were saved without losing a single life.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ujjal Singh Pruthi displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Sqn Ldr Shailesh Kumar 5520 ADMUnit : 501 Signal Unit  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Shailesh Kumar was serving as Sector Operation Officer with a Signals Unit. He introduced new and original ideas and training schemes which led to considerable improvement in the working of the Air Defence system. The induction of a large number of operational units of various types during the operations required intelligent planning and meticulous coordination which he achieved with commendable efficiency. In addition, he was always concerned with the safe return and recovery of our offensive missions which saved a number of our aircraft under emergency conditions. On many occasions, he directed the successful interception of enemy aircraft by our fighters.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Shailesh Kumar displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Krishnaswamy Chandra Shekhar 5670 F(P)Unit : No.29 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Krishnaswamy Chandra Shekhar was the Flight Commander of a Fighter Squadron. By sound planning, he ensured that all the Pilots of his Squadron were fully operational by day as well as by night. He carried out a number of Photographic missions deep into the enemy territory in unarmed aircraft and in heavily defended areas.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Krishnaswamy Chandra Shekhar displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Ajai Kumar Brahmawar 5858 F(P)Unit : No.1 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Brahmawar was serving with a Fighter Squadron. He was responsible for bringing the Squadron to a high state of operational readiness. He flew twenty-six operational missions in the form of combat air patrol, escort and interception. It was because of his personal example that the Squadron flew 55 to 60 sorties every day irrespective of weather conditions, in pitch dark nights and at low altitude in the vicinity of hilly areas without any mishap.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Brahmawar displayed courage, professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Sqn Ldr Baljit Singh Saini 6011 F(P)Unit : -N.A.- Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details : During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron leader Baljit Singh Saini was employed on Admin duties at one of our airfields. On the 3rd December, 1971, when the runway of the airfield was damaged by enemy raids, he arranged for the repair of the runway in record time. The enemy attacked the airfield on a number of other occasions but he always ensured that the runway was repaired in record time by remaining with the labour.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Baljit Singh Saint displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Sanjeev Sahay 6139 F(P)Unit : No.1 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sahay Sanjeeva was serving as a senior pilot in a fighter Squadron. He flew twenty eight operational missions in the form of combat air patrol escort and interception irrespective of weather limitations, in pitch dark nights and at low altitudes in the vicinity of hilly areas.

During his escort missions, he always ensured that the strike force was not threatened by enemy aircraft. On one occasion, while leading an escort mission of four aircraft, he spotted two enemy Mirage aircraft closing in on the formation from a very advantageous position. He immediately ordered his No. 2 to the correct position and manoeuvred his own aircraft in such a way that in one turn he started closing behind the enemy aircraft which surprised the enemy. The enemy aircraft, however, escaped after diving to the ground level. Instead of pursuing the enemy, he stayed with our strike force as otherwise our force would have been left without protection.Throughout, Squadron Leader Sahay Sanjeeva displayed courage, leadership and professional skill.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Sqn Ldr Jatendra Kumar Dhawan 6279 AE(M)Unit : 12 Wing  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details : During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Jatendra Kumar Dhawan was serving as the Senior Armament Officer of an Operational Wing, which was assigned Heavy Bomber Commitment at a very short notice. Squadron Leader Jatendra Kumar Dhawan was responsible for receiving the stores and mounting armament on aircraft for the missions. He was responsible for getting the aircraft ready in time to react to the Pakistani strike on 3rd December, 1971. With complete disregard to this personal comfort, he worked round the clock and completed all the tasks assigned to him.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jatendra Kumar Dhawan displayed profcssiona1 skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Sqn Ldr Dinkar Shantaram Jatar 6521 F(P)Unit : No.220 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Dinkar Shantaram Jatar was attached to a Fighter Bomber Squadron. He carried out a large number of operational missions deep into enemy territory despite heavy ground fire and air opposition. On the 4th December, 1971, when his No. 2 was hit by ground fire and ejected deep inside enemy territory. He, unmindful of his safety, remained in the area till he could confirm the safe ejection of his No. 2. On the 9th December, 1971, while attacking an airfield beyond hundred nautical miles in enemy territory, he ran short of fuel. Undeterred, he pressed home two attacks and brought the aircraft back to base with practically no fuel. On the 10th December, 1971, while on a close support mission, the left engine of his aircraft was crippled by enemy ground fire. Despite this handicap, he completed his mission and returned to base safely.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dinkar Shantaram Jatar displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Sqn Ldr Billore Satyanarayana Raju 5724 ADMUnit : No.106 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Billore Satyanarayana Raju was serving as Officerin-Charge, Photo Section of an Operational Squadron. The photo section, under his personal supervision, produced over 50 000 prints of vital reconnaissance missions maintaining highest quality control. On the 13th December, 1971, aerial photographs were taken of all approaches to Dacca city, and six thousand two hundred prints with twenty enlargements were delivered the next morning. The information collected through these prints was of immense value to our ground forces in planning their operations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Billore Satyanarayana Raju displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Prashant Satyadeo Dikshit 7487 F(N)Unit : No.106 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Prashant Satyadeo Dikshit was serving with a Bomber Squadron. He flew a number of operational reconnaissance missions covering vital targets like Chitagong, Cox Bazaar, Sylhet and Dacca. On the 4th December, 1971, he volunteered for night mission over Sargodha and carried it out successfully.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Prashant Satyadeo Dikshit displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Harjit Singh Bedi 7603 F(P)Unit : -N.A.- Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Harjit Singh Bedi flew twenty-six operational missions in the form of reconnaissance, emergency supply and casualty evacuation, from one of the forward airfields in the Rajasthan sector. He carried out these missions despite bombing and straffing of the areas by enemy aircraft. On the 14th December, 1971, while he was going to land at a Helipad in a forward area for evacuation of casualties, four enemy aircraft attacked in the vicinity. Despite these attacks, he landed his Helicopter in such a manner that the enemy aircraft could not spot it. He thus not only saved the Helicopter, but also remained with it and flew it back to base.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Harjit Singh Bedi displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Manek Bomanshaw Madon 7681 F(P)Unit : No.108 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Maneck Bomanshaw Madon, as a senior pilot of a Fighter Bomber Squadron, carried out several operational missions against enemy gun positions and troop concentrations in the Khem Karan Sector. On the 10th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out Rocket Pod and Front Gun Missions along the Ichogil Canal. He located the well dug­in defensive positions of the enemy and carried out four attacks on them despite heavy ground fire. During these attacks, though his aircraft was hit on the wing resulting in fuel leakage and he faced control difficulty, he brought the damaged aircraft to the base.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Maneck Bomanshaw Madon displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Surinder Kumar Mitroo 7688 F(P)Unit : No.222 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Surinder Kumar Mitroo as a senior pilot of a Fighter Bomber Squadron was detailed to lead an Interdiction mission. He located a target at Raiwind which was heavily defended. While attacking the target, his aircraft was hit by the enemy ground fire. The Rudder was jammed, partially offset to the right and the Hydraulic system suffered extensive damage. Besides, there was a two feet long tear in the rear fuselage which was badly distorted. Though experiencing partial loss of control, he skillfully brought the aircraft back to base using the emergency system to obtain landing configuration and thus saved a valuable aircraft.

In. this action, Flight Lieutenant Surinder Kumar Mitroo displayed courage and professional skill.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Jagdish Bhattacharya 7739 F(P)Unit : No.101 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Jagdish Bhattacharya, as a pilot of a Fighter Bomber Squadron, carried out many operational missions. On the 6th December, 1971, while he was attacking the enemy near Munawar river, his aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire. As his aircraft was getting out of control, he ejected in the enemy territory. The enemy sent a detachment to capture him but inspite of spine injury, he evaded the enemy.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Jagdish Bhattacharya displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Vijay Arora 7934 SIGUnit : No.44 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Vijay Arora was serving with an operational Squadron in the Western Sector. He was a member of the crew who undertook two bombing missions to Changa Manga on the 3rd and 4th December, 1971, and one mission to Haji Pir Pass on the 5th December, 1971. On the mission to Haji Pir Pass, he rectified a serious defect to release system in utter disregard to his personal safety by opening the cargo door of the aircraft without a monkey belt.

In these actions, Flight Lieutenant Vijay Arora displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal
Flt Lt Palamadai Sundaram Subramanian 7974 AE(M)Unit : No.16 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Palamadai Sundaram Subramanian was serving as Engineering Officer of an Operational Squadron. He put the Repair and Servicing Section on a sound footing. Throughout the period of the operations, he worked incessantly and maintained a high serviceability rate. He thus made a significant contribution to the operational efficiency and achievements of the Squadron.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Palamadai Sundaram Subramanian displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Pradip Kantilal Gandhi 8142 F(P)Unit : No.4 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Kantilal Gandhi was serving with a Fighter Squadron. He flew 11 sorties of offensive Air Support missions, 6 sorties of counter Air Operations and 3 sorties of Air Defence missions. Out of these he led 9 missions. In offensive support missions, he carried out four strikes at Brigade Headquarters at Jamalpur, of which two were led by him. He carried out bombing attacks on Lai-Mai Army position and destroyed four bunkers. In counter Air operations, he carried out 3 sorties of day and 2 sorties of night bombing over Tezgaon and Kurmitola airfields which were heavily defended by Anti-aircraft artillery. He was the first person to carry out night bombing sorties in the type of fighter aircraft he was flying. He carried out two strikes on the troop concentrations in Dacca and destroyed the target despite heavy ground fire.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Pradip Kantilal Gandhi displayed courage, leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Subbiah Balasundaram 8274 AE(M)Unit : No.44 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details : During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Subbiah Balasundaram flew a number of bombing missions in the Western Sector. On the 4th December, 1971, while on a low level bombing mission over Changa Manga, the last lashing of the bomb conveyers failed to open up. He opened up the jack holding the last lashing single handed and dropped the bombs on the target. On the 14th December, 1971 while on a bombing mission over Rohri Marshalling yard, at the moment of drop the release units failed to function electrically and manually. While his aircraft was being subjected to heavy ground fire, he opened up the jacks of the release mechanism and enabled the load to be dropped over the target. On the 17th December, 1971, while on a bombing mission at a higher altitude over an airfield while unlashing the bombs one of the cables malfunctioned. Though the portable oxygen bottle he carried was exhausted, he managed to unlash the bombs making use of the emergency axe.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Subbiah Balasundaram displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Charan Singh Dhillon 8376 F(P)Unit : No.20 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Charan Singh Dhillon was one of the senior pilots of a Fighter Bomber squadron. On the 4th December, 1971, he carried out a deep day penetration mission to an enemy airfield and destroyed a P.O.L. and Ammunition Dump, despite aerial engagement and heavy ground fire.

While returning from his mission, he was engaged by an enemy aircraft in close combat and though he was extremely short of fuel, yet he successfully disengaged his aircraft. Later, when about 10 miles away from the base, his engine flamed out he successfully force landed at the base and saved the valuable aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Charan Singh Dhillon displayed courage and professional skill.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Shridhar Madhav Ghaate 8665 F(P)Unit : No.101 Squadron  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Shridhar Madhav Ghatate as a Senior Pilot of a Fighter Bomber Squadron, flew twelve operational missions, and destroyed two enemy tanks and a number of vehicles. On two occasions, when his aircraft was hit by ground fire, he brought his aircraft back to base with almost no fuel and thus saved two operational aircraft. He set an example to the Pilots by his courage in hitting the enemy positions despite heavy ground fire and by pressing home attacks in complete disregard to his personal safety.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Shridhar Madhav Ghatate displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Manayanthara Kunjanpillai Raghava Menon 8766 F(P)Unit : No.31 Squadron  Award Date 16 Dec 71 Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Nayanathara Kunjan Pillai Raghava Menon was attached to a Fighter Bomber Squadron. He flew a number of operational missions deep inside enemy territory despite heavy ground and air opposition. On the 16th December, 1971, while on a bombing and strafing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The shell shattered the canopy and fragments of the shell got embedded in his body injuring him seriously and hampering his vision. Though be was more than seventy nautical miles away from his base, he brought the aircraft back to base safely instead of abandoning it.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Nayanathara Kunjan Pillai Raghava Menon displayed courage, determination and professional skill.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Mohan Kumar Prabhakar Samant 9061 F(P)Unit : -N.A.- Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Mohankumar Prabhakar Samant, as a pilot in a Fighter Bomber Squadron, carried out a number of operational missions deep inside enemy territory despite heavy ground fire and air oppositions. He took aerial photographs of Sargodha airfield which was heavily defended and brought back information of immense value to the Army and the Air Force for further planning. On the 6th December, 1971, he carried out two interdiction missions over Laila Musa marshalling yard and destroyed a railway engine and ten bogies of a goods train carrying military stores and thus prevented the enemy in getting the supply of ammunition. During one of these missions, he cut off the lines of communication of the enemy. On the 8th and 9th December, 1971, he led two successful strike missions over Chander and Walton airfields and caused extensive damage to the runway and the dispersal area. He also photographed the Ichogal Canal and the Chhamb area west of river Tawi and brought back photographs of great operational value.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Mohankumar Prabhakar Samant displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Prakash Nath Sharma 9412 F(P)Unit : No.107 Helicopter Unit  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Nath Sharma, as a pilot of a Helicopter Unit, operated from forward helipads in support of our ground forces. He flew fifty missions deep inside enemy territory carrying food, water and ammunition for our ground forces in Nayachor, Chhachor and Khinsar areas and bringing back battle casualties. Sometimes, he had to land at completely unprepared desert surface, well within the range of enemy fire. On the 11th December, 1971, while returning from a mission, he was attacked by four enemy aircraft about six miles from Nayachor. He immediately landed his helicopter between two sand dunes and ordered his crew to take cover under the thick dust raised up by the rotor. The enemy aircraft straffed the helicopter and the crew and one of the aircraft dropped a 500 lbs bomb also, but their attacks failed to find the mark. The only damage caused was that the perspex of the Helicopter got shattered and the reductor bay cowling was blown apart. Undeterred, he took off again and landed at a forward helipad and thus not only saved the helicopter but also the lives of the crew members.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Nath Sharma displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Flt Lt Ravindra Vikram Singh 9524 F(P)Unit : No.105 Helicopter Unit  Award Date Announced 26 Jan 72
Details :

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Ravindra Vikram Singh was Flight Commander of a Helicopter Unit. He undertook hazardous tasks over difficult terrain. He moulded his team into a highly organized and effective force, capable of giving their best at all times. On the 16th December, 1971, while on a mission to Sylhet, his aircraft which was flying at a height of one kilometre was hit by enemy ground fire and one of the bullets after penetrating the cabin, hit an oil pipe thus resulting in leakage of hot oil into the cabin. He pulled up the aircraft immediately to 1.5 km of height and by this time the reductor oil pressure had started dropping rapidly. It was by then dark and returning to base or to any other airfield was impossible. He, however, brought the aircraft out of enemy area, selected a suitable field at Fenchugari after approximately 15 minutes flying under trying circumstances in complete darkness and made a successful landing and thus saved the aircraft and the lives of the passengers and crew. Earlier on the 8th December, 1971, he brought the aircraft back safely when it was hit just six inches behind the co­pilot seat, twice on main rotor blades and once on main gear box cowling by enemy ground fire.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Ravindra Vikram Singh displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Reference: Gazette of India dated 7th October 1972 - No.108 - Pres/72 dated 23rd September 1972 

The Awards Database presented here was made possible by the kind generosity of Air Marshal Bharat Kumar, author of Courage & Devotion to Duty : A Chronicle of IAF's Honours and Awards (1932-2008). Air Marshal Bharat Kumar had very graciously given permission to reproduce the citations from the book on this website.
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Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.