EMBARGO : NOT TO BE USED / RELEASED / PUBLISHED UNTIL 0001 HRS ON 26 JAN 2015 Wing Commander Anup Sharma, Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Mi-17 1V unit. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and the Flight Commander of the unit. On 05 Sep 14 due to incessant rains, Jammu and adjoining areas were severely affected by floods, with water level rising above danger level in Tawi and Chenab rivers. In this grave situation, he dared the marginal weather and got airborne for the first rescue mission of Operation Megh Rahat from Chenab River. Without wasting time, he improvised and decided to launch the rescue effort for evacuation using rope ladder. There was no space to land at Patyari village as people were marooned in a small strip of land inside Chenab River with tall trees and obstructions around. He showed extreme courage and determination in flying in extremely adverse weather conditions, low clouds, reduced visibility and torrential rain. He maintained steady hover amid obstructions and adverse winds to rescue 14 people with the help of rope ladder which was the first ever rescue of its kind by the Unit. In another instance, Wing Commander Sharma was involved in a rescue effort at Katwari border post of BSF wherein any delay in the rescue would have resulted in 23 BSF personnel being washed away across the International Border. The approach itself was restricted from one direction at this post as it was surrounded by IB on three sides. He maintained steady hover at a height of 55 feet amid tall trees for one an hour and a half to save all of them. The entire mission required courage, perseverance and an undaunting spirit against heavy odds. His valiant efforts resulted in the rescue of a total of 244 marooned people from the clutches of death in similar operations and marginal weather including 158 people with the help of rope ladder from the raging rivers. For acts of exceptional courage, Wing Commander Anup has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). SSB/RCD/BSK