Squadron Leader Dhirendra Singh Jafa work ed as Senior Flight Commander in an operational Squadron from February 1968 to July 1969. This Squadron was the first to be equipped with a new type of supersonic aircraft. Through his tireless efforts, zeal and dedication to duty, he ensured that the Squadron was fully operational in the shortest possible time.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Dhirendra Singh Jafa displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty.

During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Dhirendra Singh Jafa served with a FighterBomber Squadron in the Western Sector. On 4th December, 1971, when the enemy had encircled a Battalion of our troops in a small enclave in the Hussainiwala area and was pressing hard with tanks, he led a two aircraft formation in this area. He carried out over 12 attacks and personally destroyed or damaged seven enemy tanks and a jeep. This action blunted the enemy assault and enabled our encircled troops to extricate themselves with minimum casualties. On 5th December, 1971, he was detailed as the Sub-Section Leader of a four aircraft strike mission over the enemy gun positions which were constantly shelling our positions in an area in the west of Amritsar. Despite the heavy ground fire from the enemy guns, he carried out successful attacks until in his sixth attack his aircraft was hit by ground fire and he had to eject at a very low altitude.

In this action, Squadron Leader Dhirendra Singh Jafa displayed gallantry and leadership of a high order.