At 0945 hours on the 7th September 1965, a formation of four Mystere aircraft led by Squadron Leader Sudarshan Handa took off for an operational mission and flying at a height of only 50 to 100 feet above ground level penetrated into Pakistan territory.

Squadron Leader Handa led the formation accurately to their objective and the formation went into the attack. He dropped his bombs on the Bulk Patrol Installation and opened up with his guns at three Sabre Jets parked at the Operational Readiness Platform, one of which burst into flames. He then signaled to the remaining members of the formation to attack an enemy F-104 Star Fighter which was also on the Operational Readiness Platform. By this time the enemy antiaircraft guns had opened a heavy barrage of fire against all the four aircraft of the formation. After the successful attack Squadron Leader Handa led the formation back to base safely, all our aircraft landed with only marginal fuel.

The cool courage, devotion to duty and determination displayed by Squadron Leader Sudarshan Handa throughout the operation, were in the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force.