Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1966. During the December, 1971 operations, he was posted as the Senior Armament Officer of a Fighter Squadron which operated from a forward airfield in the Western Sector.

On 4th December, 1971 at about 0130 hours the airfield was attacked by the enemy and bombs were dropped on and around the runway. He immediately reached the scene to clear the unexploded bombs to facilitate runway repair. While he was busy with the task, a delay fused bomb exploded within fifteen yards from him. Undeterred, he continued to cover the other unexploded bombs with sand bags and thus ensured that no loss or damage was caused to life or material.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon was often required to make available to the Squadron varied type explosive stores and sometimes the type of ordinance load to be carried by the aircraft was changed at short notice but he always undertook and successfully completed all such tasks.

Flight Lieutenant Kirpal Singh Dhillon displayed determination, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order and set a shining example to those working with him. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.