Brave Soldiers · Param Vir Chakra
Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon
Flying Officer · 1945 – 1971
The only member of the Indian Air Force to receive the Param Vir Chakra.
On 14 December 1971, when Pakistan Air Force aircraft attacked Srinagar air base, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon took off in his Folland Gnat during the raid and engaged the attacking aircraft alone. He was shot down and killed.
Early life and background
Born in Punjab, the son of an Air Force officer, Sekhon was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1967 as a fighter pilot.
Historical context
During the 1971 war, No. 18 Squadron flew Folland Gnat fighters from Srinagar, defending the Kashmir valley.
Key achievements
When enemy F-86 Sabre aircraft attacked the airfield on 14 December 1971, Sekhon took off under attack and engaged them in combat at low level.
Important events and milestones
- 1967 Commissioned into the Indian Air Force.
- 14 December 1971 Defends Srinagar air base; killed in action.
- 2000 Honoured on an India Post stamp.
Awards and honours
Param Vir Chakra (posthumous). India Post commemorative stamp (2000).
His sacrifice
Flying Officer Sekhon was shot down during the engagement on 14 December 1971. He was twenty-six.
Enduring legacy
His solitary fight over Srinagar is honoured by the Indian Air Force; a statue of him stands at the Param Yodha Sthal of the National War Memorial.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: India Post commemorative stamp, 2000 · India Post, Government of India · GODL-India · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.