Squadron Leader K Jai Singh (13799) F(P) of a helicopter Squadron has been on active duty with the Squadron Detachment while operating from Palali airfield in the Op Pawan area.

On 10 and 11 Apr 88, Squadron Leader Jai Singh was detailed as Captain of an Akbar aircraft to provide offensive support to a company of the Army engaged in search and combing operations in the Vavuniya Jungles. The targets on both occasions were in a densely forested area, devoid of any landmarks. Squadron Leader Jai Singh successfully engaged the designated targets on both these occasions with pinpoint accuracy. On one of the occasions, heavy ground fire was also encountered by him. However, unmindful of his own safety, Squadron Leader Jai Singh continued with his mission with single minded determination and achieved the desired results.

For his professional skill, courage and determination in the face of enemy threat, as also excellence of marksmanship, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Squadron Leader K Jai Singh.

Wing Commander Vikram Singh Ranawat was commanding one of the Helicopter Squadrons since 28 Nov 87.

He was serving with the Air Force Element of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. On 04 Jan 88, Para Commandos were helilanded in a Special Heliborne Operation in the area of Mulaitivu. The officer was detailed to escort the mission in an Akbar. One team of Para Commandos encountered deadly enemy fire and asked for close air support. In spite of heavy ground fire, Wg Cdr Ranawat carried out repeated front gun and rocket attacks on enemy position with great accuracy. While carrying out attacks, he contacted a Chetak Helicopter at Mulaitivu to evacuate the casualties. The officer continued the suppressive fire keeping enemy pinned down and made it possible for the Chetak to evacuate three casualties safely.

For his gallant actions in the face of enemy, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Wg Cdr VS Ranawat.

Wing Commander Suresh Chander Malhan has been the Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Squadron since 14 Apr 86. His Squadron currently forms part of the Indian Peace keeping Force in Sri Lanka.

Wing Commander SC Malhan drew first blood for the Squadron on 25 Oct 87 when be under took the first mission on over a causeway south east o Jaffna against LTTE vehicles and an ammunition dump. He spotted the ammunition dump and dived into attack. With his accurate rocket attacks the ammunition dump was destroyed in a single pass. That was the beginning of a series of offensive air support missions by his unit. On 27 Oct 87 he led a major attack on the LTTE strongholds at Chavakacheri. He displayed remarkable marksmanship while attacking in a built up area, destroying LTTE strongholds that has been holding back the advance of the Army. This attack enabled the Indian Army to take over the township with negligible casualties and link up with a Regiment which had been isolated for seven days.

On 03 Nov 87 a Para Commando Battalion was pinned down by deadly enemy fire in the area of Mulai. This was at a time when there were strict restrictions imposed on the use of rockets and bombs. Not a person to be deterred, he struck the enemy position with front guns. Displaying complete disregard to himself, he made repeated attacks on enemy positions against heavy hostile fire even though his aircraft sustained bulled hits. He withdrew only when the heavy automatic weapons were all silenced.

For his exemplary leadership, undaunting courage and complete disregard of personal safety in the face of the enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Suresh Chander Malhan.

Master Warrant Officer Madhukar Bharurao Deore has been on the posted strength of a Helicopter Squadron since January, 1984.

He is one of the pioneers of the Squadron who was trained in the USSR. He has an enviable flying experience of 4929 hours. He has contributed a great deal of efficiency of the Squadron by applying his thorough professional knowledge in formulation of checklists, standard operating procedures, snag rectification and weapon firing procedures. This enabled the Squadron to undertake performance and armament trials to the newly inducted Akbar helicopters successfully and on schedule. Due to his personal involvement and dedication to duty, newly inducted Flight Engineers have been trained and made operational in record time.

MWO Deore is a constant source of inspiration and motivation to all the personnel of the Squadron. He not only excelled in his profession on the ground an din the air, but has also proved his indispensability to the Squadron in many other ways.

For his professional competence and remarkable contribution to the newly formed Squadron and his deep devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Madhukar Bharurao Deore.