- Vayusena Medal
The "Vayusena Medal" is an
India nmilitary decoration , usually awarded in peacetime for a job well done. However it has been granted during times of conflict for acts of gallantry in the face of enemy, though not in the same numbers as the "Vir Chakra ".Posthumous awards may be made and a bar is authorized for subsequent awards of the V"ayu Sena Medal".
The VM was established on
17 June 1960 by thePresident of India and awards have been made from 1961 onwards. Awards over the past decade or more have been classified into two categories. One is "Vayu Sena" Medal (Gallantry) and the other "Vayu Sena" Medal (Devotion to Duty).Description
Obverse: A four-armed silver star with the points shaped like lotus blooms. In the center, the national emblem. Suspended by a straight bar suspender and normally named and dated on the edge.
Reverse: A Himalayan Eagle with wings spread, and the legend, above and below, in Hindi "Vayu Sena Medal" or "Air Force / Medal".
Ribbon: 30 mm, alternating 2 mm diagonal (lower left to upper right) stripes of gray and orange-saffron. The ribbon has an overall "woven" appearance.
Examples of Recipients
To understand the award better, a sample recipient would be that of the second-award bar to
Squadron Leader Harchand Singh Gill,Indian Air Force :"In October 1953, a composite column of Assam Rifles and a Civil Administrative party was attacked by armed Tagins and some officers and men were killed. Sqn-Ldr. H. S. Gill was in command of the detachment of Dakotas for the airlanding of troops. The work of airlanding personnel and supplies on the two small available landing grounds was difficult. Notwithstanding the difficulties Sqn.-Ldr. Gill with his keen enthusiasm, boundless energy and courage personally carried out the major portion of the landings at
Doporijo . By his tireless work, the airlift which had appeared impossible, became a reality. He showed courage and devotion to duty of the highest order."Sqn-Ldr. H.S. Gill was born in Mullanpur, Punjab, India. He was born on March 25, 1925.
References
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Awards/awavm.htm The Vayusena Medal]
* [http://faculty.winthrop.edu/haynese/india/medals/VSM.html Decorations and Medals of the Republic of India]
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