In August 1992 Wing Commander Dilip Dinkar Mandpe as Commanding Officer of a helicopter unit was tasked to undersling a snow scooter to one of the forward posts at an altitude of 16,700' AMSL. If the snow scooter had not been airlifted the post would have had to be abandoned in winter and this would have meant a great setback to Op Meghdoot. Realising the gravity of the situation Wg Cdr Mandpe undertook the sortie personally and accomplished the mission successfully.

During this period Wg Cdr Mandpe has flown over 350 captain hrs evacuating several causalities and carrying vital stores in the Siachin glacier under trying conditions and constant threat of enemy small arms fire, artillery shelling and the surface-to-air missiles. The most notable casualty evacuation carried out by Wg Cdr Mandpe was on 08 Apr 1993 when the Air Force was asked to evacuate five casualties from Sonam post. Under adverse weather conditions and visibility just 500 meters, Wg Cdr Mandpe successfully brought out the casualties in two sorties.

In addition to this impressive effort, he has been instrumental in imparting operational training and undertaking clearance of the unit pilots in the 'Op Meghdoot' area. His personal involvement has ensured a very high percentage of unit pilots being fully operational in this area.

For distinguished service of high order in 'Op Meghdoot' area of operations, the President is pleased to award the 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Dilip Dinkar Mandpe.