Wing Commander Dharamvir Singh Trehan (7325) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) has been on the posted strength of an Air Force Station as Chief Engineering Officer since 30 Apr 84. Being the CEO of the biggest helicopter base under HQ J&K, IAF he also performs the duties of the Technical Adviser for Cheetah Helicopter to one of the Command Headquarters.

On 18 Nov 84, Wg Cdr DVS Trehan was detailed as the Team leader of a technical party to retrieve one damaged Cheetah helicopter stranded at the forward outpost of Bila Fondla in the snow-bound Siachen Glacier. The task involved change of main rotor blades, service the engine and declare it fit for ferry out to Base Camp.

Though the task is of a routine nature in the plains, yet the same is significant and almost and insurmountable one at that high elevation of the glacier. Besides its location being at an elevation of 18,000ft, the post is swept by high winds exceeding 40 kmph with prevalent temperatures ranging between -15°C to -30°C during this period of the year. The shelling by enemy at the post was intense and mostly aimed at the helicopter location, may be with an aim to destroy the aircraft completely. With his absolute personal involvement, sound directions, and resoluteness, Wing Commander Trehan could ensure that the task was completed at the earliest. Inspite of great handicaps due to weather, non-availability of air support in time, high altitude sickness like chilblains to technicians and enemy interruption, the rotor blades were changed, engine serviced and aircraft flown out in eight working hours at the post on five different dates. This included besides the technical job, sheer physical labour of removing the snow to clear the skids and pulling out the helicopter to a level ground about 50 meters away from the original spot.

The entire team under the leadership of Wg Cdr Trehan worked incessantly with total dedication, great professional expertise, courage and complete disregard to personal safety under the most adverse conditions and in the face of enemy. The performance of the leader of the team is not only commendable but singularly responsible for saving a costly aircraft from certain destruction by enemy by retrieving it at the shortest possible time.

For his exceptional performance in the retrieval operation in the face of enemy activity, upholding the best traditions of the services, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Dharmvir Singh Trehan.