During the operations against Pakistan, Flight Lieutenant Lalit Kumar Dutta, a senior pilot of a Helicopter Unit, carried out eighty one sorties and flew fifty seven hours under very adverse conditions and from quickly improvised helipads, just behind our advancing troops and within the range of enemy's small arms fire.

At a great personal risk, Flight Lieutenant Lalit Kumar Dutta carried out eighteen offensive sorties, bombing and straffing strongholds of infiltrators effectively. He flew twenty five sorties evacuating sick and wounded soldiers, thus many saving valuable lives. He also flew thirty sorties to convey ammunition and essential supplies for sustaining the forward picquets. He operated from an airfield which was under constant threat of enemy air raids without warning.

Flight Lieutenant Lalit Kumar Dutta has displayed a great sense of responsibility, courage and devotion to duty which are in the best tradition of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Lalit Kumar Dutta, while commanding a Helicopter Unit, was entrusted with the task of Casualty Evacuation, Air Maintenance and Reconnaissance, at a forward base, in the Western Sector. In addition to other tasks at his own base, he himself, flew a number of sorties, and in this, he not only exhibited total dedication to the service with complete disregard to personal safety, but also high professional skill, courage and outstanding qualities of leadership. He thus instilled confidence amongst his officers and men thereby inspiring them to undertake various types of missions in the face of the enemy. In addition, he always found the time to look after the welfare of his officers and men.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Lalit Kumar Dutta displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty.