Sergeant Pilla Venkata Narayana Ravi Prasad, popularly known as P. V. N. R. Prasad, was born on 15 August 1965 in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. From an early age he displayed discipline, determination, and a strong desire to serve the nation. At the age of twenty, he joined the Indian Air Force on 18 January 1985 and began a distinguished military career marked by professionalism and dedication.
After several years of exemplary service, he underwent specialised training in 1994 to qualify as a Flight Gunner, one of the most demanding aircrew appointments in the Indian Air Force. Serving with No. 152 Helicopter Unit "Mighty Armours," he accumulated approximately 1,200 hours of accident-free flying and earned a reputation as a calm, dependable, and highly skilled aircrew member.
During the Kargil War of 1999, No. 152 Helicopter Unit was tasked with conducting dangerous rocket attacks against heavily defended Pakistani positions during Operation Safed Sagar. Sergeant Prasad had already completed three successful combat strike missions in the Drass Sub-Sector before volunteering for another mission on 28 May 1999.
On that day, he flew as the Flight Gunner aboard a Mi-17 helicopter commanded by Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir, with Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Muhilan serving as Co-Pilot and Sergeant Raj Kishore Sahu as Flight Engineer. Their objective was to attack enemy positions near Point 5140 in support of Indian Army operations. Despite knowing that their helicopter lacked effective protection against shoulder-fired Stinger missiles, the crew accepted the mission without hesitation.
After successfully delivering rocket attacks on the enemy objective, the helicopter was struck by a Pakistani Stinger missile during the breakaway manoeuvre. The aircraft crashed, and all four crew members attained Veergati while carrying out their mission.
For displaying exceptional courage, outstanding professional competence, and complete devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming danger, Sergeant Pilla Venkata Narayana Ravi Prasad was posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). His sacrifice remains an enduring example of courage, professionalism, and selfless service to the nation.