President to confer two Vayu Sena Medals for gallantry

New Delhi Aug 15 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind has approved Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to two Indian Air Force pilots on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day.

Wing Commander Ravinder Ahlawat executed a safe landing on the nearest runway of an Air Force Base near the Pokharan firing range in Rajasthan despite of limited vision owing to injury which caused after a bird hit the aircraft thus saving the aircraft and people of a village in close vicinity.

Group Captain Subhash Singh Rao executed landing of his aircraft though the starboard main wheel of his aircraft was misaligned.

"This abnormality a serious defect would have resulted in pilot abandoning the aircraft through ejection. Displaying exceptional courage Rao was able to make an extremely well executed landing of the aircraft " a release said.

--IANS
spk-vd