Wing Commander Abhay Singh was the leader of the First Air Force contingent to participate in tare first Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica 1982-83. His team was tasked to prepare a landing strip at "Dakshin Gangotri" the Indian base at Antarctica. Despite the most inhospitable weather, difficult working conditions and heavy odds, Wd Cdr Abhay Singh took up this challenge willingly. Undaunted by the limited resources of material and manpower, he displayed remarkable initiative and courage, in surveying the hitherto unmapped area, selecting a suitable site and preparing a skiway. An effective air drop of essential goods was carried out at Dakshin Gangotri which was possible due to the efforts put in by Wg Cdr Abhay Singh in preparing a DZ, marking it prominently and guiding the aircraft to the DZ. In addition to his primary task as the leader of the Air Force element, he carried out many arduous tasks as a member of the second Indian Expedition Team. He was selected to be in the advance party of seven members, which first went on the shelf at "Dakshin Gangotri". Being the senior most member of the party, he along with the other members organised the advance camp and achieved the herculean task of offloading and arranging more than 40 tons of equipment and working continuously for more than 24 hours at a stretch. Undaunted by hostile environment, he carried out several reconnaissance missions on open snow scooter and on foot, in inhospitable terrain full of hidden dangers, displaying bravery and courage of an exceptional order. For his conspicuous bravery, personal courage and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Abhay Singh. |