On the 4th December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Cherry Hassanand Raney led a strike mission over Hussainwala and destroyed an enemy tank. He led a number of other missions over enemy territory in the face of enemy air and ground opposition. His missions had decisive effects on enemy ground forces in ChhambJaurian Sector. He destroyed four tanks and four vehicles in addition to deadly strike over enemy concentration of troops and armour. On the 17th December 1971, he carried out a daring attack on Lahore Railway Junction causing extensive damages which were later confirmed by films.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Cherry Hassanand Raney displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Flt Lt Cherry Raney passed away in Mumbai of stroke and multiple organ failure on 28 Apr 09. He had been in the ICU for about a month before the end. He is survived by his wife, Suman (sister of Pam Chatrath - wife of Air Cmde N Chatrath) and two married daughters.

Cherry was awarded a VrC for action during the 1971 war, flying Su-7s in 101 Sqn "Falcons of the Chhamb". He took premature retirement a few years later and started a company dealing with refitting of merchant vessels and quite successfully too.