During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Harjit Singh Bedi flew twenty-six operational missions in the form of reconnaissance, emergency supply and casualty evacuation, from one of the forward airfields in the Rajasthan sector. He carried out these missions despite bombing and straffing of the areas by enemy aircraft. On the 14th December, 1971, while he was going to land at a Helipad in a forward area for evacuation of casualties, four enemy aircraft attacked in the vicinity. Despite these attacks, he landed his Helicopter in such a manner that the enemy aircraft could not spot it. He thus not only saved the Helicopter, but also remained with it and flew it back to base.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Harjit Singh Bedi displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.