On the 14th of December 1971, Srinagar airfield came under attack by six Pakistani Air Force jets from PAF base Peshawar.

Immediately after the first aircraft attack, Flying officer Sekhon rolled for take-off. In the ensuing air battle, Sekhon scored a direct hit on one Sabre and set another on fire.

After being hit, Sekhon was advised to return to the base. He attempted a last-minute ejection, which did not prove successful which lead to a crash.

His flying skill was later praised and his determination displayed by him against odds of 1:6 earned him India’s highest wartime medal for gallantry, the Param Vir Chakra.

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