1. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) Awarded to Wing Commander Akshay Arun Mahale
Wing Commander Akshay Arun Mahale (29451), Flying (Pilot)
Date: 26 September 2023
Location: Near a populated area with high terrain
Wing Commander Mahale, serving with a fighter squadron, faced a critical situation during a low-level aerobatic display. At 270 meters above ground with full throttle, his aircraft suffered a sudden loss of thrust and engine malfunction. Despite only one engine working and the aircraft’s speed dropping below 250 km/h, he managed to descend, accelerate, and engage the reheat on the functional engine to safely climb away. His quick thinking and composure prevented a potential disaster. He is awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his bravery.
2. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) Awarded to Junior Warrant Officer Vikas Raghav IAF (Garud)
Junior Warrant Officer Vikas Raghav IAF (Garud)
Date: 15 August 2023
Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
JWO Raghav led a humanitarian mission during severe flooding, rescuing critical patients and infants from rooftops. He improvised harnesses and carefully managed rescues in dangerous conditions, saving 494 lives, including 152 through complex maneuvers. His exceptional courage and skill during the operation earned him the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
3. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) Awarded to Sergeant Ashwani Kumar, Flight Gunner
Sergeant Ashwani Kumar, Flight Gunner
Date: 15 August 2023
Location: Near Fatehpur, Himachal Pradesh
Sergeant Kumar participated in disaster relief operations, quickly preparing the aircraft and performing daring rescues from a hovering position. Despite not having formal training for such scenarios, his efforts saved 510 individuals, including 42 by winch. His bravery and precise actions were crucial during the operation. He is awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
4. Shaurya Chakra Awarded to Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar
Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar (32754), Flying (Pilot)
Date: 25 August 2023
Location: AFS Hakimpet
During a night sortie, Squadron Leader Kumar’s aircraft struck a bird, causing an engine flameout. With the undercarriage retracted, he executed a skillful forced landing and safely stopped the aircraft using the arrester barrier. His quick decisions and expert handling preserved the aircraft and avoided loss of life. He is awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his extraordinary gallantry.
5. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) Awarded to Squadron Leader Mahipal Singh Rathore
Squadron Leader Mahipal Singh Rathore (32799), Flying (Pilot)
Date: 4 January 2024
Location: Fighter Squadron
During a training sortie, Squadron Leader Rathore’s aircraft failed to take off due to a fault. He effectively rejected the takeoff and decelerated safely, preventing a potential catastrophe. His bravery and quick actions ensured the aircraft’s safe recovery. He is awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his exceptional courage.
6. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) Awarded to Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe
Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe (27228), Flying (Pilot)
Date: 15 August 2023
Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Wing Commander Agashe led a successful HADR mission amid severe flooding, rescuing 1002 people, including the critically ill and elderly. He managed hazardous conditions with precise hovering and coordination, saving lives under challenging circumstances. He is awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his outstanding contribution.
7. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) Awarded to Wing Commander Jaspreet Singh Sandhu
Wing Commander Jaspreet Singh Sandhu (29033), Flying (Pilot)
Date: 25 January 2024
Location: Fighter Squadron
During a check sortie, Wing Commander Sandhu experienced a critical control issue due to a rudder pedal obstruction. He quickly shut down the aircraft and stopped safely, avoiding damage and ensuring recovery. His prompt and effective response in an emergency situation earned him the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
8. Shaurya Chakra Awarded to Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane VM
Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane VM (31215), Flying (Pilot)
Date: 24 July 2023
Location: Gorakhpur
Wing Commander Keane encountered simultaneous engine failures during a sortie. He calmly managed to glide the aircraft, avoid populated areas, and successfully relight one engine for a safe landing. His bravery and skill under extreme conditions earned him the Shaurya Chakra for his extraordinary gallantry.
