Vayusena Medal
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The Vayusena Medal (VM) is usually a peacetime award for a job well done. However it has been awarded 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 Vayu Sena Medal
The VM has been established on 17th June 1960 by the president of India and the awards have been made from 1961 onwards. Recent awards for 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).
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.
Awards: 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."
[edit] References
| Indian Honours System - Civilian Awards |
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| International: Gandhi Peace Prize National: Bharat Ratna - Padma Vibhushan - Padma Bhushan - Padma Shri Literature: Jnanpith Award Fine Arts: Sangeet Natak Akademi award Movies: Dadasaheb Phalke Award Sports: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award - Arjuna Award Sports Coaching: Dronacharya Award |
| Indian Honours System - Gallantry Awards |
| War Time Awards: Param Vir Chakra - Maha Vir Chakra - Vir Chakra Peace Time Awards: Ashoka Chakra - Kirti Chakra - Shaurya Chakra Distinguished Service Medals: Sena Medal (Army) - Naosena Medal (Navy) - Vayusena Medal (Air Force) |
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