On India's 79th Independence Day, multiple Indian military and paramilitary personnel were honored for their roles in Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike targeting Pakistan-based terrorist groups and military assets. For the first time, four Indian Air Force (IAF) officers, including Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Narnadeshwar Tiwari, Western Air Commander Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, and DG Air Operations Air Marshal Awadhesh Bharti, received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, India's highest wartime honor. In total, seven top military officials were awarded this medal for their leadership in the operation. Nine IAF officers, including fighter pilots who targeted terrorist headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur, were awarded the Vir Chakra, the third highest wartime gallantry medal. Additionally, 13 IAF officers received the Yudh Seva Medal for key roles in executing attacks and defending airspace, while 26 officers and airmen were awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for precision strikes inside Pakistan and operating S-400 air defense systems that downed five enemy jets and thwarted all planned attacks. Indian Army personnel also received honors, with Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and Director General Military Operations Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. Nine Army personnel, including two Junior Commissioned Officers, were given the Yudh Sewa Medal. Eight Army officers were awarded the Shaurya Chakra gallantry award. The Border Security Force (BSF) honored 16 jawans with gallantry medals, including posthumous Vir Chakra awards to Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj and Constable Deepak Chingakham for exceptional courage. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) received 23 gallantry medals, including three Shaurya Chakras, the highest among Central Armed Police Forces, bringing their overall tally to 2,731. The Indian Coast Guard awarded five Tatrakshak Medals, three for gallantry and two for meritorious service. Women officers of the Indian Air Force were also recognized for their gallantry in Operation Sindoor. Former Western Naval Commander Vice Admiral SJ Singh received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, while Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti was awarded the Uttam Yudh Sewa Medal. The awards collectively highlight the coordinated efforts of Indian armed forces in executing Operation Sindoor and defending national security.