Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 14: President of India has conferred Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) on a Flight Lieutenant and a Squadron leader.
According to the Defence spokesman, Flight Lieutenant Gandikota Jagan Mohan during his posting in Cheetah/Cheetal Helicopter Unit based at Leh with effect from April 2013 executed more than 600 landings at the world’s highest helipads in the Siachen Glacier amidst constant threat of enemy fire.
He is known as ‘Glacier Qualified Captain’, who has flown more than 300 hrs in the Siachen Glacier and Ladakh region. He has been a part of many casualty evacuation missions. He has contributed most significantly towards the operational effort in ‘Op Meghdoot’.
On September 19, 2014, Flt Lt Jagan was detailed for providing air logistics to troops to tackle certain intrusions in Chumar valley. The situation in the area at Point 4991 was very volatile and an escalation was not ruled out. Point 4991 is of great tactical importance, to the extent that possession actually controls the 480 Sq Km area of Chumar valley.
Undeterred and unfazed by the difficult ground conditions, Flt Lt Jagan flew 32 sorties relentlessly in two days to supply two tonnes of water and essential supplies. The mission demanded exceptional courage, flying skills of a high order, and an undying commitment towards the cause.
For his act of exceptional courage, dedication and professionalism in the face of heavy odds, Flight Lieutenant Gandikota Jagan Mohan has been recommended for award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
According to the Defence spokesman, Squadron Leader S Selvakumar, who was also posted in Cheetah/Cheetal Helicopter Unit located at Leh in 2013, displayed exemplary courage in saving the lives of ITBP personnel.
On October 16, 2014, an ITBP patrol vehicle containing 12 personnel, carrying out patrolling along the Indo-Chinese border near Hot Spring, fell into a dry river bed. All occupants of the vehicle were seriously injured. On receiving the distress call, Sqn Ldr Selvakumar promptly gathered relevant information and quickly planned the mission.
The valley to the Hot Spring is sparingly narrow, hostile, inhospitable and without any habitation. There are no force landing fields to put down the aircraft in distress. In addition, inclement weather left the pilots with no margin for error, making the assigned casualty evacuation task very demanding and challenging. Aware of the fast deteriorating weather, Sqn Ldr Selvakumar made daring attempt against all odds.
Under constant threat of border fire and impending deteriorating weather, he landed near the casualties in the first attempt on a very restricted landing zone. Despite facing numerous odds at various stages of execution of the plan and facing inclement weather in a treacherous and unforgiving terrain, Sqn Ldr Selvakumar by his courage, leadership, and resolute attitude ensured that six lives were saved from a dire situation.
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