During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Amrit Mohan Mehta was a Flight Commander of a Fighter Bomber Squadron. On the 4th December, 1971, he was detailed to carry out a photo reconnaissance mission over an Airfield. Immediately on completion of his mission, he was intercepted by two enemy Sabres, but he jettisoned his external loads, manoeuvred his aircraft and thus avoided attack by the enemy aircraft. A little later while on his way back to base, he was chased by two enemy Mirages but he again skillfully manoeuvred his aircraft and avoided interception. Though his aircraft had run short of fuel and the engine flamed out a few kilometers away from his base, he carried out a dead stick landing and thus saved the valuable aircraft. The photographs brought by him gave information about enemy airfield, which were of immense value for further planning. In addition, he successfully led many strike missions, interdiction missions against enemy lines of communication and close air support missions.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Amrit Mohan Mehta displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.