During the operations against Pakistan, Wing Commander Om Parkash Taneja showed inspiring leadership and set a fine example as a Squadron Commander by leading nine strike missions over enemy territory. On 6th September 1965, he led his Squadron for the first mission into enemy territory and destroyed fuel wagons in the Gujranwala sector. On 7th September 1965 he led a formation of 12 aircraft of the Squadron on a dawn strike over Sargodha Airfield. He started up during an air raid warning, when our anti-aircraft guns were firing. Shortly after the air raid he took off from a damaged runway having no runway lights. Through it was still dark, he led his Squadron successfully at low level to the target. On subsequent days he led a number of strike sorties in the Lahore and Sialkot sectors, attacking and destroying enemy tanks, vehicle concentrations and gun and mortar positions in these sectors. By his example he inspired confidence and courage amongst the junior pilots and won the admiration of all serving under him.