Corporal Vikky Pahade VM

Corporal Vikky Pahade hailed from Nonia Karbal village in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, and was born on 01 September 1990. He was the son of Late Shri Dimakchand Pahade and Smt Dulari Pahade and grew up with his three sisters. Tragically, he lost his father at a young age, an event that placed the responsibility of the entire family on his young shoulders. Despite these challenges, Cpl Vikky Pahade exhibited remarkable maturity and determination, stepping up to support his family while also pursuing his dreams. Corporal Vikky Pahade completed his schooling at Navodaya Vidyalaya, Singodi, in Amarwara tehsil of Chhindwara district. A bright and hardworking student, he successfully completed his 12th standard in 2010. With a strong sense of duty towards his family and a deep-rooted desire to serve the nation, he began preparing for the Indian Air Force (IAF) selection process. Through his unwavering dedication and hard work, he achieved his goal and was selected for the IAF in 2011, just one year after finishing his schooling.

After his selection, Cpl Vikky Pahade underwent rigorous training as a technical tradesman in the Indian Air Force. His specialized training enabled him to work on the maintenance of critical Air Force assets, including radars, a vital component of the nation's air defense system. His technical acumen, discipline, and work ethic earned him the respect of his peers and superiors. Over the years, he served at multiple Air Force bases across the country, gaining extensive experience in handling advanced military equipment and ensuring operational readiness. After serving for a few years, he got married to Ms Rina, and in 2019, the couple was blessed with a son, Hardik. His role as a devoted husband and father was as important to him as his role as a dedicated air warrior. By 2024, with over 13 years of service, he had not only gained valuable experience but had also risen to the rank of Corporal.

Poonch Terrorist Attack (J&K): 04 May 2024

During 2024, Corporal Vikky Pahade was serving with the 359 Transportable Radar Unit (TRU) based at 23 Wing, Jammu. The Air Force Station at Jammu, established on 25 January 1963 under the command of Wing Commander J Andrews, played a crucial role in national security. By 2024, the base had a significant presence of Air Force assets, including aircraft and radars, to undertake various operational tasks. Given the region’s history of militant activity, the security forces followed strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for movement, ensuring all personnel and material convoys were secured through road-opening teams conducting area sanitization. On 4 May 2024, Cpl Vikky Pahade was assigned an operational task in the Surankote region of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. As part of his duties, he was detailed as an armed escort for the collection of ration supplies from the Indian Army’s Field Supply Depot, located approximately 40 kilometers from the unit’s operational location.

That afternoon, Cpl Vikky Pahade, along with a few other air warriors, departed for the Field Supply Depot. The journey was undertaken with all necessary precautions, but as they were returning from the depot, their vehicle came under a deadly ambush. At around 1759 hours, just 1.5 kilometers short of their operational location, near Doba Ridge at Shahsitar, three terrorists launched a surprise attack from higher ground. During the ambush, Cpl Vikky Pahade was seated in the front seat of the vehicle, as per his assigned role. This exposed him to heavy and concentrated small arms fire from the terrorists. He sustained multiple grievous gunshot wounds to his head, neck, and chest. Despite his life-threatening injuries, he remained composed and displayed extraordinary situational awareness. Recognizing the dire threat, he immediately retaliated by opening fire with his AK-103 rifle, targeting one of the terrorists who was engaging their vehicle from the elevated ridge. His swift and determined response forced the terrorist to momentarily retreat into cover. This brief but crucial window of opportunity enabled the air warriors seated in the rear of the vehicle to coordinate their response and launch a counterattack. The courageous stand taken by Cpl Vikky Pahade not only disrupted the terrorists’ assault but also saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and prevented damage to crucial Air Force assets.

Despite his heroic resistance, Cpl Vikky Pahade had sustained severe injuries. His comrades, who had successfully neutralized the threat due to his decisive actions, rushed him and the other injured personnel to the Army’s Command Hospital in Udhampur. However, his injuries proved fatal, and he succumbed to them, making the supreme sacrifice for his nation. At just 33 years of age, Cpl Vikky Pahade displayed the highest traditions of valour and service before self. In recognition of his extraordinary courage, selflessness, and ultimate sacrifice in the face of grave danger, he was posthumously awarded the "Vayu Sena Medal".