During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Squadron Leader Charanjit Singh Sandhu was in command of a helicopter unit. On 7 December, he personally led a special heliborne operation deep behind the enemy position in the Eastern Sector. During the first mission his force came under enemy fire but he successfully carried out the landing of his force. The same night, he flew an additional five similar missions. During the operations, he led a total of34 such hazardous missions.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Sandhu displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order,