Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was an Indian Air Force officer and a war hero, known for his bravery and valor during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He was born on 17 July 1945, in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, and he sacrificed his life in service to the nation on 14 December 1971.
During the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was serving as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. He was assigned to the No. 18 Squadron, which operated the Gnat fighter aircraft.
On 14 December 1971, Pakistan launched an air raid on the Indian Air Force base in Srinagar, Kashmir. In the face of overwhelming enemy aircraft and heavy ground fire, Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon displayed extraordinary bravery and determination.
He engaged the attacking enemy aircraft in a dogfight, shooting down two Pakistani Sabre jets. Despite being outnumbered and facing imminent danger, Sekhon continued to fight fiercely to protect the airfield.
Unfortunately, during the intense aerial combat, Sekhon's Gnat was hit, and he was mortally wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight until the end, preventing further damage to the airfield and thwarting the enemy's attack.
For his exceptional courage, leadership, and gallantry, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for bravery. He became the first and only Indian Air Force officer to receive this honor.
Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's valor and selfless sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds have made him an inspirational figure and a symbol of courage for generations of Indians. He will forever be remembered as a true hero who gave his life to protect his country and its people.
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