Flight Lieutenant Murthy is on the posted strength of a Mi-8 helicopter unit since Dec 94. He had joined the unit immediately after completing ab-initio training on Mi-8 helicopter and his experience on Mi-8 helicopter is very limited.

On 14 Mar 95, Flt Lt Murthy was detailed for a continuation training sortie on a Mi-8 helicopter. During the second circuit, on approach, just as he was coming to hover, he experienced total loss of directional control and the aircraft yawed uncontrollably to the left and turned through 450 degrees. Flt Lt Murthy, under this critical situation, put the helicopter down by taking prompt and correct action with no damage to the helicopter. On touch down, Flt Lt Murthy ordered the flight engineer to shut down the engines, which was executed without delay. He ordered the flight gunner, flight engineer and co­pilot to vacate the helicopter. Flt Lt Murthy abandoned the helicopter only after ensuring that the rotors had stopped so that no damage to the aircraft could take place.

It was discovered to be a case of tail rotor control failure which is a very critical and serious emergency in any helicopter and can result in disaster. Flt Lt Murthy displayed exceptional degree of professional skill and courage in tackling the grave emergency situation.

For his exceptional courage and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Flight Lieutenant KVSN Murthy.

Squadron Leader Kandrapa Venkata Surya Narismha Murthy VM (20136) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 30 Jun 97.

On 28 Feb 99, Sqn Ldr Murthy was detailed to carry out air maintenance operations from Kamzwal Detachment, Mizoram. En­route to the Vasitlong dropping­zone, over mountainous terrain, he noted the Port Engine fire warning light coming ON followed by the fire extinguisher bottles operating in the 'AUTO' mode. He took immediate actions to shut down the affected engine and to recover the Helicopter on to a single engine flight. The terrain did not offer any immediate emergency landing round. Displaying considerable presence of mind, and utilising his intimate knowledge of the area, he headed for a field 20 nautical miles away, at Chawngte, where there was scope for safe landing of the helicopter and its subsequent recovery. The field was a level ground of restricted dimensions surround ed by all trees and poles at the edges. A forced-landing on single engine at this field demanded considerable skill, composure and courage. Sqn Ldr Murthy prepared himself and his crew for the task ahead through a comprehensive briefing covering all contingencies. Displaying flawless control and with perfect crew coordination, he carried out a safe single engine landing. There was no damage to the Helicopter.

A dedicated and thorough professional, Sqn Ldr Murthy displayed most remarkable airmanship and effective leadership and saved a valuable Helicopter and precious human lives from possible mishap. In doing so, he has set an inspirational example for others to emulate.

For this act of exceptional devotion to duty in the face of a grave emergency and exemplary airmanship, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Bar to Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Kandrapa Venkata Surya Narsimha Murthy.