A team of seven European Trekkers between the ages of 30 to 70 years had been stranded at an altitude of 14500 feet in Bhutan. One of them had already died and the rest were in a critical condition. They were reported to be suffering from High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) and unless immediately evacuated would have met the same fate. On the 7th October, 1988 Squadron Leader Sanjiv Misra was detailed for the casualty evacuation mission. Although he was aware that the place of evacuation was located well above the normal operating limits of the Chetak helicopter and that too in an uncharted territory, Sqn Ldr Misra decided to proceed with the mercy mission since any delay would have resulted in more fatalities. He took off with a senior Bhutanese official on board and showing exceptional skill quickly searched the area and located four survivors. In spite of the extremely difficult hilly terrain, he managed to put down the helicopter on a narrow ledge and evacuated two of the more serious casualties. He now learnt that the dead foreigner and the other two survivors were stranded at a place 2/3 miles away and their condition was even worse. Sqn Ldr Misra flew the two casualties to Thimpu, kept the rotor going and then after quick refueling at Paro proceeded to the second location. Since no clear place was available, after considerable search and bringing all his experience into play he managed to hold the helicopter on a small patch in a hilly stream which was strewn with huge boulders. He left the senior official at this site to guard the body and evacuated the two casualties to Thimpu. Once again, after quick refuelling, he went to the 1st location and flew out the remaining two casualties. By this time the weather had deteriorated and he had already been flying for over 5 hours. But realising that the civilian official guarding the dead body was in peril and would not survive the night, he went back once again and rescued the civilian along with the dead body.

Throughout this mission, Squadron Leader Sanjiv Misra showed high professional skill and exceptional courage.

Group Captain Sanjiv Misra SC (14094) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 11 Jul 1975. In 27 years of distinguished service with nearly 6000 h of accident/incident free flying, he has held several important command appointments that include Commanding Officer of Helicopter Unit, Helicopter Training School, AF Station Carnicobar and Team Leader of the IAF detachment, Namibia. He is a flying instructor and an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College. He was awarded Shaurya Chakra in 1988 and Chief of Air Staff Commendation in 1996. Group Captain Sanjiv Misra became Station Commander, AF Station Carnicobar on 01 Feb 2000. On taking over, he faced the challenge of recommencing fighter operations which had stopped since 1993 due to tall trees obstructing runway approaches. Displaying perseverance, tact and reasoning he convinced the tribal leaders, who were reluctant to get the trees cut. But with his personal example and outstanding leadership qualities, Gp Capt Misra mobilised all the personnel of the Air Force Station and led them in the daunting task of jungle clearance in the approach path. He drove his officers and men with tremendous enthusiasm, and with his exemplary zeal and diligence completed the task in a short time. 9000 trees were cut without any additional manpower and fighter operations recommenced from Nov 2001.

With foresight and planning, Gp Capt Misra identified the training and operational needs and established an air to ground armament training range for Mi-8, made runway lighting operational and carried out works services worth Rs. 32 crores for runway extension, dispersal, operational readiness platform etc. Under his leadership the Station did very well during the visit of Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) and the Station Medicare Centre was adjudged the best in the mini category in the IAF. During his tenure, the Station has met all its flying and other commitments in a commendable manner and the highest standards of flight safety have been maintained throughout.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Sanjiv Misra.