During the operations against Pakistan in Dec. 1971 Squadron Leader Kalyan Kumar Dutta, as navigation leader of a Bomber Squadron, played a key role in the successful performance of the squadron. The entire missions and the route missions for the Squadron were meticulously carried out by him. In addition, as navigator to his Squadron Commander, he under took the most difficult and dangerous missions himself. On a special mission to an airfield by night, he executed some of the best and most accurate navigation at extremely low altitude of 100 to 200 feet above hilly terrain resulting in a successful first run attack over the runway.
Throughout, Squadron Leader Dutta displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order.