Wing Commander Deepika Misra became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to be presented a gallantry award.

Wing Commander Misra, a helicopter pilot who hails from Rajasthan, was conferred a Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for an act of “exceptional courage” displayed during a flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari presented the Vayu Sena Medal to Deepika Misra at an investiture ceremony held in the national capital on April 20. She helped in saving the lives of 47 people in floods last year in areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.