On 23 June 1948, in the Zojila Pass Area in Jammu and Kashmir, a reconnaissance patrol was ambushed and a man was severely wounded. He rolled down the side of the hill, and was unable to get back to the picquet. All attempts by the section to recover the wounded man failed as the enemy had covered the area with fire. Ismail, who was a civilian labourer, volunteered to bring in the wounded man single-handed. He displayed outstanding skill in negotiating the almost impassable snow-covered slopes swept by MMG fire. By superb physical effort he got the wounded man, bundled him up in his blanket and brought him to safety. Again on 14 September 1948, at Zojila Pass during an attack by 3 Jat, Ismail volunteered to accompany that unit as a guide. Advancing with the leading scouts in spite of close and continuous fire he guided the troops and it was only when a hidden MMG had wiped out the leading line that he fell into enemy hands and became a prisoner. On both occasions, Ismail displayed bravery, devotion to duty and disregard for personal safety.