New Delhi: Wing Commander Deepika Mishra on Thursday became the first woman officer of the Indian Air Force to receive a gallantry award. According to an Air Force spokesperson, Deepika Mishra, a resident of Rajasthan, is a helicopter pilot. She has been recognized for her “indomitable courage” during the flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh. Awarded ‘Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)’ for the act.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhary presented Yudh Seva Medals and other awards to several officers and air warriors at the investiture ceremony held at the Air Force Auditorium at Subroto Park here. The spokesman said that Yudh Seva Medal was awarded to two Air Force officers, Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to 13 officers and air warriors, Vayu Sena Medal to 13 officers, and Vishisht Seva Medal to 30.
He said that a total of 58 persons were awarded out of which 57 are from the Air Force and one from the Army. Regarding Wing Commander Deepika Mishra, he said that she is the first woman officer of the Air Force to receive the gallantry award in the history of the Air Force. He said that women from the Air Force have received awards in the past for their dedication to service but this is the first time a woman officer of the Air Force has received a gallantry award.
According to information shared by the Indian Air Force, Deepika Mishra will undertake “humanitarian assistance and post-flash flood disaster relief operations” in northern Madhya Pradesh in August 2021. Worked tirelessly during The rescue operation lasted for eight days and they saved the lives of 47 people including women and children. Their brave and courageous efforts not only saved precious lives in the natural calamity but also instilled a sense of security among the general public in the flood-affected area, officials said.
