Valour in the Skies: Honouring Flying Officer (PVC) Sekhon’s Supreme Sacrifice in 1971 Indo-Pakistan War

 

On December 14, 1971, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely defending Srinagar airbase during the Indo-Pakistani War. Despite overwhelming odds, this young Indian Air Force officer showed extraordinary courage, taking on enemy aircraft to protect his base and comrades.

 

 

Born on July 17, 1945, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon joined the Indian Air Force on June 4, 1967. During the war, he served with No. 18 Squadron, famously known as “The Flying Bullets,” flying the Folland Gnat fighter aircraft.

 

 

On December 14, 1971, the Srinagar airfield came under attack from six Pakistani Sabre jets. These aircraft were heavily armed and launched a fierce assault, bombing and strafing the airbase. Sekhon, who was on duty, took off amidst the chaos and immediately engaged two enemy planes in a dogfight.

 

 

In the intense aerial combat, he managed to damage one enemy aircraft and severely hit another. However, the remaining Sabres regrouped, and Sekhon soon found himself outnumbered four to one. Undeterred, he continued to fight at treetop height, displaying unmatched flying skills and determination.

 

 

Eventually, his aircraft was struck by enemy fire, and it crashed in the surrounding hills. Sekhon’s actions, though costing him his life, disrupted the enemy’s attack and safeguarded the Srinagar airbase from major damage.

 

 

For his valour, he was posthumously awarded with Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour. He remains the only officer of the Indian Air Force to receive this highest military honour.