During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Squadron Leader Ravindra Nath Bali was a senior pilot in a FighterBomber Squadron. He was detailed to destroy a massive enemy thrust spearheaded by a tank regiment at Longewala. He led three strike missions on the 5th December, 1971 and one on the 6th December, 1971. During these attacks he destroyed three tanks and caused extensive damage to a number of other tanks and vehicles despite heavy ground fire and on some occasions intense enemy air opposition. On the 7th December 1971 he again led a strike mission to the same area and destroyed two tanks. However during the pull out after the second attack his aircraft was hit by ground fire and half of the control surfaces were knocked off. Despite the damage to his aircraft, he skillfully brought it back to base. His missions contributed significantly in neutralizing the enemy thrust and in the overall success of the operations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ravindra Nath Bali displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.