Sergeant Raj Kishore Sahu was born on 29 November 1971 in Cuttack, Odisha, to Shri Krishna Chandra Sahu. An only child, he grew up with a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and patriotism. Determined to serve the nation, he enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 3 August 1989 and steadily built a reputation as a sincere and technically proficient airman.
During his service, he worked with both Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopter units and also contributed to the maintenance of MiG-27 fighter aircraft at a forward air base. On 24 May 1997, he qualified as a Flight Engineer and became an important member of the Mi-17 helicopter crew, accumulating around 360 flying hours. His professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and calm performance under pressure earned the respect of both his commanders and fellow aircrew.
During the Kargil War, Sergeant Sahu served with No. 152 Helicopter Unit, "Mighty Armours," during Operation Safed Sagar. On 28 May 1999, he was assigned as the Flight Engineer of a Mi-17 helicopter tasked with launching rocket attacks on heavily fortified enemy positions near Point 5140 in the Drass Sector. The crew consisted of Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Muhilan (Co-Pilot), Sergeant P. V. N. R. Prasad (Flight Gunner), and Sergeant Raj Kishore Sahu (Flight Engineer).
The crew was fully aware that the mission carried extraordinary risks because the helicopter lacked an effective defence against Pakistani shoulder-fired Stinger surface-to-air missiles. Despite these dangers, Sergeant Sahu accepted the mission without hesitation. The crew successfully completed the rocket attack, inflicting significant damage on enemy positions. During the breakaway manoeuvre, however, the helicopter was struck by a Stinger missile and crashed, killing all four crew members.
For his outstanding courage, exceptional professional competence, and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, Sergeant Raj Kishore Sahu was posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). His dedication and bravery remain a lasting inspiration to the Indian Air Force.