Wing Commander Deepika Misra becomes 1st Woman IAF Officer to Get Gallantry Award

New Delhi: Wing Commander Deepika Misra has become the first woman Air Force officer to receive a gallantry medal.

President had conferred Vayu Seva Medal for gallantry on her on Independence Day last year and she received the medal from Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari at an investiture ceremony held in New Delhi on Thursday.

Wing Commander Deepika Mishra was detailed to undertake Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations in response to flash floods in northern Madhya Pradesh in August 2021.

Braving deteriorating weather, strong winds, and the near sunset time, she was the first and only respondent to reach the affected area the same evening. Her efforts helped in saving 47 lives. A total of 58 personnel received gallantry awards from the IAF chief on Thursday.