On the 20th September, 1980, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Dhulappa Navale (13602) Flying (Pilot), was called upon to fly a VIP for reconnaissance in and around the flood affected areas of Orissa. After landing at GUNPUR, the VIP started talking to people around the helicopter. While doing so, a section of crowd started shouting slogans against him. The agitation picked up momentum and soon the agitators starting closing in on the VIP. Flight Lieutenant Navale on seeing the imminent crisis, forced his way through the crowd and with total disregard to personal safety, stood like a wall between the crowd on the one side and the VIP and the helicopter behind him. The agitating public, not only manhandled Flight Lieutenant Navale but took him and the VIP away from the helicopter which was damaged.

Flight Lieutenant Navale and the VIP returned after the mob fury had mellowed down. He quickly assessed the extent of damaged and while doing so one of the agitators told him to take off and leave the VIP behind. He took advantage of the situation and took off. He immediately landed back and quickly pulled up the VIP and flew him safely to GOPALPUR.

Had Flight Lieutenant Navale not flown out the VIP at that critical time, the situation could have taken a grave turn and could have resulted in serious consequences to the VIP and further breakdown in law and order situation.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Dhulappa Navale displayed determination, courage, presence of mind and devotion to duty of a high order.