Krishna C Jha

Biography

Sergeant Krishna C Jha joined the Indian Air Force and was assigned to the technical branch. He later undertook a specialised course and trained as a Flight Engineer. In 1996 he was serving with 130 Helicopter Unit, known as "The Condors", based at Jammu. Formed on 15 February 1988, the unit's primary role was to provide air support for Operation Meghdoot in the Siachen sector, along with flood relief and casualty evacuation duties. During August 1996, the detachment was tasked with air maintenance sorties to army posts deployed to the south-west of the Siachen Glacier, along the Saltoro Ridge. The enemy had redeployed troops in the southern glacier area and built new bunkers on commanding positions, directly threatening Indian posts and endangering the helicopter routes. On 26 August 1996, Sergeant Jha flew as the Flight Engineer on an air-drop mission, with Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain as captain and Flying Officer Vaibhav Bhagwat as co-pilot. Two supply drops were completed despite enemy interference. During the third sortie their helicopter was struck by an anti-aircraft missile and crashed in the snow-clad mountains. Sergeant Jha and both pilots made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.