Sgt Sudhakar Yadav VM

Sgt Sudhakar Yadav hailed from Asharfabad village in Sant Kabeer Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Son of Shri Mahanand Yadav and was serving with the 157 Helicopter unit of the IAF when the tragedy struck at Kedarnath in the year 2013.

 

 

On 25 June 2013, Sgt Sudhakar Yadav along with the captain and Crew of the Mi-17 helicopter was tasked to move essential supplies and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams to Kedarnath, located at an elevation of over 11000 feet and rescue stranded pilgrims from Kedarnath during the return sorties. Inclement weather, frequently drifting clouds and poor light conditions prevalent in the unforgiving terrain of the narrow valley led to frequent delays in the operations and this made their task extremely demanding. Realizing the gravity of their task and the criticality of the evacuation of some of the stranded pilgrims, Sgt Sudhakar Yadav and his crew volunteered for the critical mission and got airborne in the first available window of opportunity to position his helicopter at Guptakashi. 

 

Sgt Sudhakar Yadav is survived by his wife and two children.

 

 

 

 

775698 Sergeant Sudhakar Yadav Flight Gunner was on the posted strength of a Mi-17 V5 Helicopter unit since 14 Jan 13. On 25 Jun 2013. Sergeant Sudhakar was tasked to move essential supplies and rescue stranded civilians from Kedarnath as a part of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Missions that were undertaken in the aftermath of the disaster which occurred recently in Uttarakhand. As a motivated aircrew, who had been extensively involved in Relief Operations in the sector since 21 Jun 13, he carefully went about planning for the mission. The task involved moving the Relief Teams of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and National Disaster Relief Force from Guptkashi to Kedarnath. The presence of inclement weather and poor light conditions in the tricky hill terrain of the valley made the task extremely demanding. Knowing full well the helicopter would be operating at the limits of its capabilities, he analyzed the degree of difficulty of landing at high altitudes and evacuation from inhospitable terrain. He maintained a high degree of coordination between the crew members and effectively synergized the relief efforts.

 

 

While maintaining his composure, he ensured availability of all equipment on board thus accepting the challenges of the mission. Having assessed all the adversities and the restrictions imposed by the prevalent weather. he provided all possible assistance as a team member. With his timely efforts, the crew was able to take off at the first available opportunity and land at Guptkashi displaying a high degree of determination and skill. The Relief Teams were then safely transported to Kedarnath. The helicopter took off from Kedarnath with the Relief Teams and was ready to make another shuttle at the earliest. However. the weather conditions on the return leg deteriorated at a rapid rate and the aircraft crashed killing all its occupants. The selfless act of courage of flying the helicopter through extremely hostile terrain in marginal weather conditions provided much-awaited succor to the affected people at Kedarnath. Flying these missions in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force, Sergeant Sudhakar supported the decisions of his captain displaying exceptional courage and professionalism. For this act of exceptional bravery and pre-eminent valour which finally led to the supreme sacrifice. Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), posthumously to Sergeant Sudhakar Yadav.