Squadron Leader Sardari Lal Gupta was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1959. During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, he was posted as the Senior Logistics Officer at a forward base in the Western Sector.

Throughout the hostilities he remained at his post round the clock hardly with any rest and encouraged his men stay at work even during nights. On the night of 4th December, 1971, his area was bombed and some portions of section were damaged. Despite this with utter disregard to his personal safety he organised his men and material resources exceptionally well with the consequence that the flow of equipment was maintained which enabled the base to carry out all the operational tasks successfully. During the period of operations, under his stewardship the quantum of task completed by equipment section was five times more than that of proceeding 14 days.

Squadron Leader Sardari Lal Gupta displayed dedication to duty, organising ability and professional skill of a I order and thereby rendered distinguished service. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.