Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal VM is commanding a Helicopter Unit since 6 Dec 81. His meticulous planning and optimization of limited resources have helped the Unit in achieving an impressive total of 6661 hours of Accident-Free Flying till date. Under his command the unit took part successfully in 33 special Heliborne Exercises, flying an aggregate of 679 hours. As a Type Force Commander in most of these exercises, each involving as many as 15 helicopters, he not only excelled in their operational execution, but also displayed administrative competence and technical understanding of an exceptional order that contributed substantially to the overall success of the participating elements. His personal involvement and invaluable supervision were instrumental in shaping a proficient and effective operational helicopter force. As a leader of a formation of 9 helicopters in the Feb 82 Fire Power Demonstration he demonstrated his abundant proficiency and professionalism that were observed and applauded by civilian and service dignitaries alike.

Under the able guidance and command of Wing Commander Chahal the unit undertook the challenging task of operations over the Siachen Glacier, airlifting 245 tonnes of vital army supplies, involving 670 hours of flying in a hostile environment above inhospitable terrain. The facile manner in which these operations were carried out was due to the unit commander's aggressive and imaginative planning. During 'Operation Blue Star' he personally supervised and actively participated in operations which required constant night patrols and immediate evacuation of casualties.

As the commanding officer of a helicopter unit for three years and six month, Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal has displayed superior qualities of leadership, a high sense of duty, and enthusiastic interest in raising the maintenance standards of the unit and its operational potential.

For his devotion to duty, excellent administrative capability and exceptional qualities as an Air Force Officer, which enhance the prestige of the service, the President is pleased to award Bar to Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal.

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.

Wing Commander Dharamvir Singh Trehan (7325) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) has been on the posted strength of an Air Force Station as Chief Engineering Officer since 30 Apr 84. Being the CEO of the biggest helicopter base under HQ J&K, IAF he also performs the duties of the Technical Adviser for Cheetah Helicopter to one of the Command Headquarters.

On 18 Nov 84, Wg Cdr DVS Trehan was detailed as the Team leader of a technical party to retrieve one damaged Cheetah helicopter stranded at the forward outpost of Bila Fondla in the snow-bound Siachen Glacier. The task involved change of main rotor blades, service the engine and declare it fit for ferry out to Base Camp.

Though the task is of a routine nature in the plains, yet the same is significant and almost and insurmountable one at that high elevation of the glacier. Besides its location being at an elevation of 18,000ft, the post is swept by high winds exceeding 40 kmph with prevalent temperatures ranging between -15°C to -30°C during this period of the year. The shelling by enemy at the post was intense and mostly aimed at the helicopter location, may be with an aim to destroy the aircraft completely. With his absolute personal involvement, sound directions, and resoluteness, Wing Commander Trehan could ensure that the task was completed at the earliest. Inspite of great handicaps due to weather, non-availability of air support in time, high altitude sickness like chilblains to technicians and enemy interruption, the rotor blades were changed, engine serviced and aircraft flown out in eight working hours at the post on five different dates. This included besides the technical job, sheer physical labour of removing the snow to clear the skids and pulling out the helicopter to a level ground about 50 meters away from the original spot.

The entire team under the leadership of Wg Cdr Trehan worked incessantly with total dedication, great professional expertise, courage and complete disregard to personal safety under the most adverse conditions and in the face of enemy. The performance of the leader of the team is not only commendable but singularly responsible for saving a costly aircraft from certain destruction by enemy by retrieving it at the shortest possible time.

For his exceptional performance in the retrieval operation in the face of enemy activity, upholding the best traditions of the services, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Dharmvir Singh Trehan.

Wing Commander Teja Mohan Asthana (7672) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of Tactics & Combat Development & Training Establishment, AF since 24 Oct 83. This is the second tenure of this Officer in this Establishment where he had spent over 2 years earlier. During this tenure he has held the portfolios of officer i/c Operations, Officer i/c Development and is currently the Deputy Commandant of the Establishment.

During his tenure as the Officer i/c Development he has been the guiding spirit behind the sudden surge of development activity that this Establishment has undertaken since mid 1984. This was indeed a very sorely needed fillip to the Establishment which had got so involved with training flying that Development work had virtually ground to a halt. The Air Force felt the need for new ideas and concepts from this Premier Establishment, and in Wg Cdr TM Asthana we found the man to match this need. His untiring efforts, long hours of hard work and total dedication to the job at hand lifted this Establishment out of the doldrums. He has an absolutely professional approach and the patience born of knowledge which is so vital towards development work. During his tenure as O i/c Development this Establishment has completed trials on a number of Air Combat and Ground Attack aspects of operations which have changed out basic ideas of Combat and applied them to real time situations. His attention to detail and thoroughness has ensured that all these ideas have gone out to the Air Force in clear unequivocal terms.

There is no doubt that Wg Cdr TM Asthana is the guiding spirit behind the sudden renaissance of development work in this Establishment. For his professionalism, keenness, dedication and sheer hard work, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Teja Mohan Asthana.

Wing Commander Inder Jit Singh Boparai (7691) F (P) has been on operational fighter flying assignments throughout his service career of 21½ years in the Air Force. He has attained 'Fully Operational' status on all the MiG-21 variants and has to his credit over 2000 hrs flying on those types. An Instrument Rating Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader on type, he was a member of MiG-21 formation aerobatic team. It was due to his contribution in no small measure as a Flt Cdr that the Sqn was adjudged the Best Fighter Squadron of the year by Director of Air Staff Inspection for 4 consecutive years. It was also his timely report of K-5 missiles evaluation and flt trials highlighting its limitations that prevented an ineffective weapon being contracted for thereby saving valuable foreign exchange.

With his vast experience and background, ha was selected to Command the first Rakshak Squadron. He was assigned the dual task of raising a new fighter squadron and simultaneously inducting a new fighter aircraft into the Air Force. With tremendous enthusiasm and personal involvement, with extremely limited trained manpower, he not only overcame the initial teething troubles but took on additional task of taking over the group sets for the Base Repair Depot. It was his meticulous planning and foresight in utilising the aircraft that flying effort was built up in a phased manner with proper stagger. The Squadron has flown a total of over 4500 hrs in less than 3 years and considering the heavy constraints of lack of spares and high Aircraft On Ground state - this is a vary creditable achievement indeed.

In May 04, Wg Cdr IJS Boparai became the first pilot to land Rakshak aircraft at Leh, the highest operational airfield in the world, and again it was his personal involvement and guidance which helped in overcoming starting problems at this height. His suggestions have now been incorporated as a standard for all MiG-21s.

With over 500 hrs on type to his credit, in every phase of flying, Wg Cdr Boparai undertook the initial sorties himself, and utilising the aircraft potential to the full has today established the Rakshak as an effective weapon system capable of countering even F-16 type of threat with suitable tactics. Besides the progress of the Squadron, he has put up suggestions which have effectively enhanced operational effectiveness.

For his very high degree of professional competence and dedicated hard work which has resulted in the Rakshak fleet becoming a viable operational weapon system, for his total devotion to duty and his sustained contribution towards betterment of the service, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Inderjit Singh Boparai.

Wing Commander Shashindra Pal Tyagi (8130) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 31st December, 1963. A Fighter Pilot of proven merit, he is both a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader. He has participated in 1965 Indo-Pak Operations flying Hunter aircraft and in the 1971 Indo-Pak Operations flying MiG aircraft. To date, he has to his credit 2800 hours of jut fighter flying.

Since December, 1982, Wg Cdr Tyagi has been commanding a frontline Strike Fighter Squadron. The Operational role of the Sqn is very demanding and accordingly the training has had to be optimised for its operational tasks. During his tenure, the Sqn has achieved a very high level of operational preparedness and has come out with distinction in flying exercises and commitments entrusted to it. It was recently under his leadership and planning that for the first time ever, a detach ment of Fighter aircraft was able to operate from a far flung Indian island territory. During his tenure, he has displayed unending enthusiasm, dynamism and professional competence in managing both his material and manpower resources. It is a direct reflection on his leadership and the performance of the Sqn that has resulted in the Sqn being adjudged the best Fighter Sqn in Western Air Command for two years running. On the welfare front, he has introduced many novel facilities to ensure that concurrent with the high professional output, the welfare of his personnel is equally covered. Throughout his tenure, Wing Commander Shashindra Pal Tyagi has displayed a very high level of professionalism, dedication and qualities of leadership in true traditions of the Air Force.

For his devotion to duty, high professional skill and exceptional qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Command Shashindra Pal Tyagi.

Wing Commander Surinder Sawhney was commissioned on 31 Dec 63 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. He has been posted to the Directorate General National Cadet Corps as Deputy Director (Air) since Dec 81. His duties include supervision of gliding, flying, Aero­adventure activities, other training activities and coordination of maintenance, repair and provisioning of new gliders and other aviation equipment in the 54 NCC Air Wing Squadrons throughout the country. During his tenure in the NCC, Wg Cdr Sawhney with his high level of initiative, consistent application and dedicated hard work has been able to achieve many noteworthy milestones of which the main ones are firstly; revision and updating of gliding Standard Operating Procedures and admin instructions for National Cadet Corps/National Defence Academy issued 10 years earlier; secondly, achievement of 75% serviceability state on gliders which are more than 20 years old through excellent planning of repair programme and effective monitoring; thirdly 64,300 launches of gliders in one year, the highest in the history of the NCC; fourthly, reducing the accident rate from 7 to 3, the lowest accident rate in 10 year; fifthly has personally planned and safely executed four Air Shows on gliders in Delhi including for the first time formation of aerobatics display during the IAF Golden Jubilee and sixthly working out modernization plan of gliders and winches into the NCC Air Sqns which includes induction of new gliders at present and planning the future induction upto 1990.

Among the gliders planned for induction into the NCC is the, new Microlight aircraft. During a demonstration flight of Microlight aircraft on 27 Jan 84 in the PM's NCC Rally over the Army Parade Ground, the propeller of the aircraft bloke at a height of 50 feet resulting in severe vibrations and the machine getting almost out of control. In this situation of grave emergency, Wg Cdr Sawhney fully aware of the presence of distinguished audience consisting of PM, RM, RRM, Services Chiefs and many other Foreign dignitaries displayed exceptional professionalism and landed the aircraft safely. The emergency and the landing was handled and executed with such professional coolness that the grave emergency, which could have resulted in a grave disaster, came to light much later and was specifically appreciated by the distinguished members of the audience. This act of Wg Cdr Sawhney not only saved a valuable aircraft and a near disaster but was a great morale booster for the young cadets from throughout India who were watching the display.

Wg Cdr Sawhney, through his personal contribution and single minded dedication, has done yeoman services in pioneering this aero-sport into India, which has motivated a lot of young students to enter the aviation wing of the NCC and the IAF. The sustained hard work put in by Wg Cdr Sawhney and his exceptional handling of the emergency in the air have been in the highest traditions of the NCCC and the IAF.

For Wg Cdr Sawhney's exceptional initiative, devotion, professional skill, leadership and airmanship qualities displayed in the air wing of to NCC, the President is pleased to award him the Vayu Sena Model

Wing Commander Krishna Balakrishna Menon has been posted to a fighter squadron as Commanding Officer since 02 May 83.

Wg Cdr Menon took over the Squadron at a stage when not even a single pilot was fully ops on type. He took the challenge ad through his exceptional organizing ability, dedication and professional skill, brought the Squadron to fully operational state. Presently, all the pilots are fully operational and are 100% rated and as a consequence the Squadron was adjudged the best instrument rated Squadron in the Air Force for 1984. His unit has been given the additional role of Type Training Squadron. He undauntedly took the additional responsibility and accomplished the demanding task of completing conversion of 28 pilots during his tenure as CO.

Wg Cdr Menon is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has 4100 hours of flying to his credit. During exercise "Yudh Abhiyas" his Squadron operated from two locations with limited resources and achieved the task without an incident. Because of his analytical approach, keenness for imparting knowledge and able guidance, this unit has a very good Flight Safety record. He has always displayed exemplary behavior, exceptional resourcefulness and ensured effective utilization of major sources of men and material. He has kept the Squadron as a cohesive unit with extremely high morale because of his personal example, correct guidance, perception of subordinates problems and unusual gift of putting people at ease.

Under the capable leadership of Wg Cdr KB Menon the Squadron was the first Vijay Squadron to become operational in the use of Instrument Runway rating system and to undertake offensive air support by night. Having achieved this capability, his was the only unit to take part in exercise "GLOW WORM I & II" where full capability of IRLS equipment was exploited both by day and night. This went a long way in enhancing the operational image of the Air Force.

For his qualities of leadership, accomplishment of objectives, exceptional professional skill and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Krishna Balakrishna Menon.

Wing Commander Gurdip Singh has commanded three Helicopter Units since Dec 77. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor with current A/Master Green category and has logged over 5400 hours of accident free flying on single engine aircraft which includes approximately 3000 hours of instructional on HT-2, Mi-4 and Chetak. He is also experienced on Anti-Tank Guided Missile and qualified gliding instructor having approximately 700 launches. His high altitude helicopter flying experience includes flying in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bhutan, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. He has also undertaken extensive flying in the Rajasthan desert. During his present tenure as Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Unit, the unit has flown a total of 6,500 hours giving a high monthly utilisation rate of over 55 hours per helicopter. During the past 21 months in this unit he has been the only Qualified Flying Instructor available and has flown approximately1000 hours and has been responsible for training to fully operational stage and categorisation of 25 pilots.

Wg Cdr Gurdip Singh also has to his credit a number of mercy missions which required skill of a high order. Some of these are:• Search followed by Evacuation of two members of Kamet expedition from 16,000 feet altitude on 10th October 1983.• Extensive search of Hungarian expedition given up as lost and dropping of vital supplies at an altitude of over 19,000 feet on 29th October 1983.• Immediate food supply drop to train passengers stranded after flash floods near Tikona on 12 Sep 83. • Recovery of MiG-21 pilot after ejection 20 Kilometers from the airfield in a record time of 25 minutes.

An example of the officer's administrative and professional skill is given by the fact that under his Command two Helicopter Units - one has been adjudged the best Helicopter Unit in WAC in 1979-80 and the other in Central Air Command in 1983-84.

The achievements which the officer has to his credit have resulted from a high sense of maturity, dedication to duty and sustained long hours of work under trying conditions. For his overall performance, in particular his achievements as Commanding Officer, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Gurdip Singh.

Wing Commander Narender Minocha commanded a fighter squadron from 30 Dec 82 to 11 Nov 84.

During the tenure of Wg Cdr N Minocha, the Squadron ran seventeen very productive detachments for flying commitments and coped with all maintenance problems associated with the second line servicing. He guided and encouraged relatively inexperienced officers of his unit to greater professionalism.

The Squadron won the overall Arjuna 83 Armament Trophy for the first time in its history after bagging both the straffing and bombing trophies. The officer personally flew about 300 hrs comprising of 600 sorties and coped very professionally with one incident of booster hydraulic failure at night.

The Squadron, under his guidance and directions flew an average of over 300 sorties per month inspite of operating frequently as a split squadron and in unusually restrictive and hostile local flying environment created by blue bull and small bird menace. Although there were many small bird-hit incidents in his unit due to the local environment, in each case, his aircrew showed a high degree of professionalism in coping with the occurrence and two aircrew were given green endorsement in their Flying Log Books.

It can be confidently stated that under the able Command of Wg Cdr N Minocha, the squadron achieved many Operational improvements and the unit continuously bettered its performance in all spheres and at the same time maintained espirit­de­corps which was an example to the rest of the station.

For his exceptional qualities of leadership, management and for his tireless striving towards perfection of his Squadron, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Narendra Minocha.

Wing Commander Dilip Kamalakar Dighe is in the Command of "Thunderbolts" since Nov 82 and has ably performed the aerobatic display task in a most splendid manner.

He has very competently lead the intricate, thrilling and breathtaking formation displays on various occasions all over the country, and even abroad, in a most praiseworthy manner. His efforts and performance have been applauded and appreciated not only by the Chiefs of air Staff themselves but has won many accolades from many National and International dignitaries. Wg Cdr Dighe is an outstanding professional who combines skill with knowledge and comes out with innovative ideas. It was under his guidance and leadership that 'Thunderbolts' emitted red trails for the first time while executing 'Thunderbolts' aerobatic manoeuvres over Vijay Chowk during the 'Beating The Retreat' Ceremony in Jan 05. This remarkable feat literally added colour to the fine performance so skillfully executed. The success of the display mainly rested on his dynamic drive and flawless execution.

In addition, when the Squadron was assigned the dual roles of display as wall as operation, Wg Cdr Dighe set the ball rolling by providing the right guidance and setting right priorities. He ensured that pilots became fully Ops at the fastest pace even while training for the displays. With his foresight, calm approach and meticulous planning, he moved the Squadron to new location in a very smooth manner which was only possible with hits utmost devotion and dedication.

In recognition of his skilful flying, outstanding leadership both in the air and on ground, devotion to duty and exemplary supervision, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr DK Dighe.

Wing Commander Krishnakumar Vasant Bodaradikar (10091) F (P) has been in Command of Central Air Command Communication Flight since 17 Jan 83. He is a qualified A-2 Instructor on type and holding A/Master Green Category/Rating on Avro aircraft since 1977. He was also an Air Force examiner on Avro aircraft and was a member of Aircrew Examining Board. He has over 5446 hours of flying of flying experience and during his stay he had flown 455 hours. He was instrumental, with his vast experience and professional skill and knowledge, for the unit's ability to achieve 100% categorization. His instructional experience helped in consolidating the flying skill and professional knowledge of ab-initio pilots posted in from Transport Training Wing, AF and thus obtaining initial categorisation of such pilots within a short period of 6 months. His involvement with the maintenance staff and professional inquisitiveness helped solving major problems in Avro's windscreen heating and imparting the solutions to other Avro operating units, thus avoiding unwanted expenditure involving foreign exchange/colossal repair charges at HAL Kanpur. His innovativeness in handling maintenance problems helped in keeping the aircraft 100% serviceable except during periodical servicing. His keenness and self reliance also enabled the unit to carry out Check servicing on the aircraft at Allahabad itself.

A keen sportsman Wing Commander Bopardikar took active part in Unit/Station/ Command sports activities. Due to his zeal there was a sudden spurt of sports activities of the unit. His contribution towards the bringing up of a Golf course at Air Force Station Allahabad itself speaks volumes of his interest and dedication towards sports.

Wing Commander KV Bopardikar took personal interest in the problems of his men facing accommodation/schooling problems etc and helped in alleviating them. Always lending a helping hand to personnel of the unit and others, he endeared himself to all.

For his devotion to duty, dedication and professional competence in the best traditions of the Fair Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Krishnakumar Vasant Bopardikar. Authority: Notification No. 36-Pres/86 dated 26th January, 1986 published in Part 1, Section 1, Gazette of India dated 19th April, 1986.

During Oct 84, there was an urgent requirement of air maintenance at GYONG LA 3 post, situated at 4750 meters in the SIACHEN GLACIER. The post has constantly remained under the surveillance of opposing forces. Prevailing severe winter conditions made it imperative that air drops of fibre Glass Huts and Kerosene be carried out on utmost priority. Mi-8 helicopter, while operating in this area is not only fraught with danger of operating beyond its flight envelope, but each mission at Gyong La 3 post, came under heavy machine gun fire from opposing forces. Squadron Leader Suhas Clement Solomon (10987) Flying (Pilot) was specially chosen for this High Risk task. Unmindful of his personal safety, he displayed unflinching courage, determination, dedication and successfully flew 45 missions in 4 days, and carried out precision drops inspite of marginal weather conditions. To avoid coming under machine gun fire from opposing forces, he had perforce to fly at height as low as 10 meters. His actions not only alleviated the sufferings of the troops and raised their morale but were highly appreciated by Senior Army and Air Force Officers.

Sqn Ldr SC Solomon has so far flown 211 High Risk missions over the SIACHIN GLACIER area since Apr 84, inclusive of 60 missions at Gyoug La 3 post. He has airlifted 90.225 tons of vital combat loads and essential supplies. In an outstanding feat in those operations, he created history in helicopter aviation by landing Mi-8 helicopter at a height of 4700 meters with the purpose of evaluating the helipad for landing of expensive and short supplied Fibre Glass Huts, which were suffering damage in spite of low drops.

Sqn Ldr Solomon has flown a total of 4257 operational sorties to date, of which 4000 sorties are from helipads in Eastern and Northern hills. For exhibiting total dedication, devotion to duty, exemplary professional competence and dauntless courage while operating in hazardous terrain, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Suhas Clement Solomon.

Squadron Leader Harbans Singh Bath is an experienced helicopter pilot and very competent Qualified Flying Instructor currently holding A/Master Green CAT/ Instrument rating on Mi-8 Helicopter. He is at the moment one of the most experienced helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and has over 5000 hours to his credit.

Sqn Ldr HS Bath was inducted into Operation Meghdoot in the month of March 84. He has been actively operating in the Siachen Glacier area and has flown as many as 170 sorties. On many occasions, Sqn Ldr Bath has undertaken flawlessly much needed air maintenance sorties under inclement weather conditions and within enemy fire to C-3 and BILLA FONDLA dropping zones and has successfully dropped the delicate and cumbersome loads like pre-fabricated huts without any damage, displaying daunt less courage and precision. Sqn Ldr Bath is one of the pilots to have undertaken trial landing at Forward Logistic Base at the height of 4.7 Kms to explore the possibilities of causality evacuations and landing supplies in extreme emergency, thus creating a world record by landing a Mi-8 helicopter at such an altitude. All these tasks involved using the helicopter at its peak performance under adverse conditions which demands a very high degree of competence and professional skill of the pilot.

Sqn Ldr HS Bath being a QFI has been responsible for the operational training of the unit pilots. It is due to his single handed effort and selfless dedication that the unit pilots could be trained in the Siachen glacier area to undertake demanding and herculean task. Throughout his stay in the unit, Sqn Ldr HS Bath has been a living example of courage, dedication and devotion to duty. He has always been a source of inspiration to the others. Putting service before self and unmindful of his personal safety he has always come out with flying colours whenever entrusted with any challenging task, no matter what the odds were.

For displaying dauntless courage, initiative, professional skill and devotion to duty of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Harbans Singh Bath.

Squadron Leader Rajiv Kumar Lakhwara is an experienced pilot with over 900hours on Badal aircraft and is also an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor.

On 14 Jun 84 he was authorised to fly an air combat sortie as No 2. Just as the aircraft got airborne, the Senior Flying Supervisor in Air Traffic Control noticed that the Starboard main wheel had separated from the undercarriage, leaving only the ceramic disc attached to the undercarriage oleo leg. This was communicated to the pilot who took stock of the situation and decided that he would, as is permitted, land with the main undercarriage selected up and the nose wheel down.VM (G) 1986-87

Throughout this critical emergency, made all the more trying because considerable time had perforce to be spent in the air, Sqn Ldr Lakhwara remained, cool, calm and collected. Though there must have been considerable anxiety in his mind, Sqn Ldr Lakhwara patiently awaited the laying of foam along the runway, orbitting overhead and burning fuel. Once he was cleared to land, he set about doing so in a highly professional manner. Fuel was consumed to reduce the fire risk on landing after which he carried out an approach and overshoot. Thereafter he came into land, touching down precisely at a point just after where the foam had been spread. The aircraft landed on the nose­wheel and airbrake, travelled some 900 meters and came to a stop on the shoulder of the runway. The damage sustained was negligible.

Sqn Ldr R Lakhwara has displayed profes sionalism of the highest order. His calm demeanour, totally unfazed by the situation is worthy of emulation and is in the best traditions of the Air Force.

For exceptional manner in which Squadron Leader Rajiv Kumar Lakhwara has handled this serious emergency by which minimal damage was caused to a valuable aircraft, the President is pleased to award him the Vayu Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Anup Rajkumar Nigam (13240) F (P) is on the posted strength of "the Thundorbolts" since Sep 81. He was attached for three months before this on selection of formation aerobatic team. His effective association with Thunderbolts is from May 81. He is the pioneer member of nine aircraft team. During the Golden Jubilee year the Thundorbolts performed extremely well for which he has been commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

Today, Sqn Ldr Nigam is a Senior Flight Commander of the Squadron. He has a very large share in excellent performance of the Squadron all along. The formation Aerobatic Team was undergoing changes and rotation of pilots began after Golden Jubilee year. The task was heavy on the unit and he has been instrumental in training new members of this Thunderbolt team. His supervision, guidance and constant effort that has given the unit safe and eventful flying. He has always put service before self and on every field he has produced wonders. As a Unit Flight Safety Officer, he has worked hard in promoting safety and in conducting safe flying. As a Mess secretary he judged the weak areas of the Mess and put in lot of work to improve it.

During the Republic Day celebration of 1985, the "Thunderbolts" performed over Vijay Chowk. He was the Deputy leader of the formation. The performance was excellent and appreciated by one and all. This was the first time Thunderbolts had displayed with red colour. The success of detachment was mainly because of his meticulous planning and execution.

Sqn Ldr Nigam is only member who has taken part in each and every display of Thunderbolts in last 3 years and nine months. The first member to gain operational status when unit was given operational role, today he is Senior Flight Commander handling dual role of the unit successfully.

For his constant hard work, devotion to duty and exemplary supervision, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Anup Rajkumar Nigam.

A Cheetah helicopter had force landed in the SIACHIN GLACIER in Ladakh sector at an altitude of 18,100 ft during Operation Meghdoot. It was found that helicopter damage warranted disassembly and retrieval of the helicopter to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for structural repairs. Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Pal Singh Cheema volunteered to lead a team of men detailed for the task despite first hand knowledge of the hazards of high altitude, lack of oxygen and sub-zero temperature survival in the glacier. Unavoidable delay in retrieval operations due to nonavailability of air support caused tremendous stress on the man management capability of this officer. He displayed exemplary man management skills in keeping up the morale of the men placed under him against trying circumstances of living for indefinite duration in the glacier.

When the retrieval operation was finally launched Flt Lt BPS Cheema was called upon to undertake one of the most hazardous tasks of retrieval of the helicopter sub­assemblies by under slinging from 18100 ft. This involved meticulous and imaginative planning of camping, disassembly of helicopter, and load preparation for underslinging. The task of underslinging operation from such a high altitude was alien to both the ground crew and the aircrew. Flt Lt Cheema undaunted by the odds set upon this task most professionally. He meticulously planned each operation and briefed his men thoroughly. He drilled his men in the waiting period so thoroughly that a planned six days operation was carried out in three days. The load planning, preparation and the underslinging were personally carried out by this officer. He physically marshalled the aircrew over the loads and directed the hooking operations. Thus he managed to take out all six underslung loads in one day with clock-work accuracy and precision. This was a rare feat achieved by this officer's total professional approach.

For display of exceptional leadership, professional skill of a high order, outstanding devotion to duty and untiring zeal, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Pal Singh Cheema.

253819 Warrant Officer Syed Qutubuddin Ground Training Instructor/Parachute Jumping Instructor is on the posted strength of Paratroopers' Training School, AF since June 67 and performing the duties of Parachute Jumping Instructor. He has been closely associated with all facets of para training during his tenure. He has to his crdit a total of 815 parachute descents including 605 free fall descents, which is the highest number of free fall descents carried out by an individual in the country at present.

In September 1984, four indigenously manufactured free fall parachutes were offered by Research and Development Establishment for live trials. Warrant Officer Syed Qutubuddin was amongst the first lot of Parachute Jumping Instructors who undertook this courageous task. This trial enabled ADR&DE to proceed with the free fall users trials. This act of WO Syed Qutubuddin has contributed to further the Research and Development activity in this field in the country. He has set an example of absolute devotion to duty, outstanding standard of professional skill and exemplary courage by undertaking this assignment.

For his outstanding acheivments in the field of parachuting and his selfless devotion to duty, the Presidnet is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Warramt Officer Syed Qutubuddin.