Wg Cdr Padmanabha Gautam MVC (Bar) VM

Wing Commander Padmanabha Gautam was born on 23 July 1933 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, into a family deeply rooted in academic excellence. His father, Shri Neelkanta Padmanabha, was a distinguished physicist who not only taught physics but also served as the Principal of Ahalyabai Holkar College. His mother, an accomplished educator in her own right, remained actively engaged in the field of education well into her 90s, ultimately retiring as a director of educational institutions. Growing up in such an intellectually enriched environment laid a strong foundation of discipline and service in young Gautam. He was the youngest among three siblings and shared a close bond with his two younger brothers, Ashoka and Ajith. From an early age, Wg Cdr Gautam displayed a deep sense of purpose and an inclination towards a life of service. This sense of duty led him to join the 3rd Course at the Joint Services Wing (JSW)—the precursor to the present-day National Defence Academy (NDA)—which was then based in Dehradun.

He commenced his flying training at Begumpet Air Force Station as part of the 60th Pilots’ Course, and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 1st April 1953. His early operational postings saw him flying some of the most iconic fighter aircraft of that era, including the Spitfire and Vampire, from Air Force Station Halwara. He later moved to a squadron operating Dassault Toofani aircraft, beginning a long and distinguished flying career across multiple aircraft platforms. Recognising his potential for leadership and instruction, the IAF selected him in 1956 for training at the Flying Instructors' School (FIS). Between 1957 and 1958, he served as an instructor at the Air Force Flying College in Jodhpur, where he trained young cadets on Harvard aircraft, further refining his instructional skills and technical proficiency. In 1958, he transitioned to the Canberra jet bomber after undergoing specialized training at the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit (JBCU) in Agra. This marked the beginning of his specialization in bomber aircraft operations. His growing experience also led to an international assignment when he was posted to Iraq as a flying instructor. There, he flew MiG-15 and MiG-17 aircraft, contributing significantly to the training and capacity-building of the Iraqi Air Force.

In late 1961, he was selected for a landmark international mission—the first-ever Indian-manned United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in the Congo. On 6 December 1961, he was tasked with a critical and high-risk mission to attack the Kolwezi airfield in Katanga—a key strategic base controlled by Katangese forces. The airfield was being used to launch aerial attacks against UN ground troops, posing a serious threat to the success of ongoing peace enforcement operations. Despite facing extremely adverse weather conditions and encountering intense enemy fire, then Flight Lieutenant Gautam displayed exceptional courage and flying skill. He executed multiple low-level bombing and strafing runs over the heavily defended airfield. In the course of the attack, he successfully destroyed a Fauga aircraft, which had been actively harassing UN ground forces, significantly reducing the enemy’s aerial capabilities. In addition to neutralizing the Fauga aircraft, then Flight Lieutenant Gautam disabled three other Katangese aircraft stationed on the ground and inflicted substantial damage on key installations at the airfield, severely hampering the enemy’s operational infrastructure.

Following this operation, he undertook several other successful sorties over Elizabethville, providing close air support to UN ground troops engaged in intense combat with Katangese forces. His accurate and timely air strikes played a crucial role in enabling ground operations and in disrupting enemy defences. Throughout these operations, Flight Lieutenant Gautam exhibited exceptional bravery, professional excellence, and an unwavering sense of duty, often operating in hostile and challenging conditions. His actions significantly contributed to the operational success of the UN forces and brought great credit to the Indian Air Force. In recognition of his outstanding gallantry and dedication to duty in the face of enemy action, then Flight Lieutenant Gautam was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal.

Air Operations: Indo-Pak Wars (1965 & 1971)

By the time of the Indo-Pak War of 1965, he as a Squadron Leader was back at the Jet Bomber Conversion Unit (JBCU) in Agra, this time as its commanding officer. Under his dynamic leadership, the JBCU, though primarily a training establishment, participated in the conflict with the intensity and professionalism of a frontline operational squadron. The unit distinguished itself through deep-penetration bombing missions and precision target marking—tasks that demanded exceptional skill and courage. He led from the front, flying several daring sorties into enemy territory with his trademark confidence and precision. His missions were so impactful that even Pakistani military chroniclers acknowledged his bravery and effectiveness with a tone of reluctant respect. For his fearless leadership and outstanding gallantry during the 1965 operations, he was awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra" (MVC)—India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award.

By the time of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Wg Cdr Gautam was commanding No. 16 Squadron, operating from Gorakhpur. The squadron played a critical role in the Eastern theatre, where Indian forces achieved a swift and decisive victory. Under his leadership, 16 Squadron executed high-risk bombing missions deep into enemy territory, severely damaging Pakistan’s war-waging capability. These daring operations, carried out with strategic precision and audacity, significantly contributed to India’s success in the war. In recognition of his exemplary service and unmatched gallantry during the 1971 war, Wg Cdr Gautam was awarded a Bar to his Maha Vir Chakra, becoming one of only two officers in the history of the Indian Air Force to receive this rare honour. Following the war, in early 1972, Wg Cdr Gautam was posted as Officer-in-Charge Flying at Air Force Station Poona (now Pune). On 25 November 1972, during a routine sortie in a MiG-21, tragedy struck. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft suffered a flameout—an engine failure in flight—leaving him with little choice but to attempt an emergency crash-landing. Despite his best efforts to save both the aircraft and himself, he sustained severe internal injuries during the forced landing and succumbed to them shortly thereafter.

Wing Commander Padmanabha Gautam remains one of the most decorated officers in the history of the Indian Air Force. His career was marked by exceptional courage, unwavering dedication, and an unshakable commitment to national service. Through both the 1965 and 1971 wars, he led vital bombing missions that crippled enemy infrastructure and decisively tilted the balance in India’s favour. His fearless actions, especially those involving deep incursions into hostile territory, stand as a testament to his valour and strategic brilliance. His dual recognition with the "Maha Vir Chakra" and Bar is a reflection not just of individual heroism, but of a legacy built on integrity, sacrifice, and an enduring love for the nation.

Wing Commander Padmanabha Gautam is survived by his wife Smt Bala Gautam, son Shri Nandan Gautam, daughters Smt Uma and Smt Usha, and two younger brothers, Wg Cdr P Ashoka and Wg Cdr Ajith.

The citation for the "Vayu Sena Medal" awarded to him reads:

Flight Lieutenant Gautam was one of the pilots operating with the Canberra Unit in the Congo during 1961. On 6 December 1961 he was ordered to attack Kolwezi airfield in Katanga. Despite extreme adverse weather conditions and heavy enemy opposition, he courageously and successfully carried out several attacks on the airfield and completely destroyed the Fauga aircraft which was harassing UN ground forces. He also shot up three other Katangese aircraft on the ground and neutralised other installations around it. Flight Lieutenant Gautam also carried out several other successful missions over Elizabethville in close support of the ground forces operating against Katangese.

The citation for the first "Maha Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads :

Squadron Leader P. Gautam, Commanding Officer of a bomber conversion-training unit led it in a number of difficult and dangerous missions. He undertook six important offensive and tactical close-support operations over Pakistani territory during the period from 6 to 21 September 1965. In complete disregard of personal safety in the face of heavy enemy ground fire and of the risk of attack by Pakistani Sabrejets, he carried out his missions successfully with courage and determination. These missions included reconnaissance deep into enemy territory and the bombing of Akwal and Gujarat airfields and enemy troops concentrations in the Gujarat and Chawinda areas.

Throughout the operations, Squadron Leader P Gautam’s devotion to duty, professional skill, and gallant were in the finest traditions of the Air Force.

The citation for the second "Maha Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads :

Wing Commander P Gautam, Commanding Officer of a bomber squadron, led many missions deep into enemy territory. Notable among these were two raids on the night of the 5 and 7 December 1971 when Wing Commander Gautam led attacks on the Mianwali airfield. On both these occasions, he and his formation were met with intense anti-aircraft fire. Despite that, the target was attacked with great precision at low level and heavy damage was inflicted. On the other missions, he carried out rocket and four gun attacks on railway marshalling yards in the Montgomery-Raiwind area with conspicuous success. Throughout the operation, Wing Commander  Gautam displayed conspicuous gallant, exemplary flying skill and leadership in the highest traditions of the Air Force.