Wing Commander Harjeet Singh Sodhi (11663) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 02 Jun 68 and has carried our more than 5000 hrs of incident/accident free flying.

Considering his exceptional flying performance and effective organizing capabilities as a member of the sixth Indian Scientific expedition to Antarctica, he was selected to lead the IAF team for the Seventh Indian Scientific expedition.

During the expedition, in spite of bad weather the team's flying effort made the Air Force proud by air-lifting 322 tons of load in a record flying effort. Out of the total 156 hrs, Wg Cdr Sodhi alone flew 117 hrs. He carried out all the marginal weather flying himself thus establishing a record not only for himself but showed his subordinates to do the job in the best traditions of service. He brought distinction and honour to the Armed Forces.

For consistently exhibiting excellent professionalism, dedication and devotion to duty under challenging and uncertain conditions and carrying out tasks beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Harjeet Singh Sodhi.