| Details : |  Wing Commander Bhanu Johri (18831) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of Mi-17 Helicopter Unit and is commanding the unit since 19 Jul 2004.On 16 Oct 2004, Wg Cdr .John was tasked to undertake a rescue mission of a trekking team consisting of 29 people including 12 foreign nationals stranded at 3428 meters altitude in the inhospitable terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.In an act of extreme bravery, Wg Cdr Johri got airborne in a Mi-17 helicopter in inclement weather with an aim to rescue the trekking team. Maneuvering the helicopter skillfully and valiantly through the clouds, he climbed to 4.5 km to reach over the given coordinates, but due to excessive clouding was unable to locate the survivors. Wg Cdr Johri, however gallantly persisted against all odds and proficiently, handled the helicopter in and out of the clouds from 4500 meters to 3300 meters altitude to continue with the search mission. Still unable to sight the trekking team, he made an exceptionally courageous decision to carry out an approach terminating in OGE hover at 3200 meters altitude in a deep narrow valley with a dead end aiming to locate the team. His sheer perseverance was ultimately rewarded and the team was finally located in this attempt. With limited endurance and fast deteriorating weather in the narrow valley, he took a judicious decision in carrying out three shuttles to rescue all the members In the nick of time and was solely responsible for saving the lives of the entire team. This heroic rescue mission in the face of extreme odds of inclement weal her and unforgiving terrain drew immense appreciation and international acclaim including the Israeli government, thereby earning laurels for the nation and the IAF.For this act of exceptional courage, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Wing Commander Bhanu Johri. |
