On the 24th August 1988 when ‘OP CHRCKMATE’ phase (III), being conducted by 4 Inf Div in Mitikaikulam jungles in Sri Lanka, Wing Commander Dhirendra Nath Sahae was detailed of standby at Mulaitivu helipad with 4 x 16 57 mm RPS in offensive role. During a dare devil attack on the TAC HQ of 7 Brigade, the militants blew up one OP Chetak and managed to damage another. They also managed to attack the HQ with RPG and automatic weapons thus gravely endangering lives of GOC IPKF Land Forces, other senior Army and Air Force Officers present at that location. Wing Commander Sahae was immediately asked to scramble in order to deal with LTTE threat. He got airborne and reached the area within record time of 12 minutes. He engaged the militants and fired the rockets at the area as directed by another airborne Chetak aircraft. He successfully neutralized and threat and ensured safety and security of the TAC HQ and senior Army and Air Force Commanders at the site. Three militants were reported killed due to his timely action and they were forced to withdraw without causing any further damage.

Wing Commander Dhirendra Nath Sahae, thus, displayed exceptional professional skill, devotion to duty, courage and bravery of high order in action against militants.