During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Hemant Sharat Kumar Sardesai was serving with a Fighter Squadron. From 3rd December to 16th December 1971, he flew 11 sorties of counter air missions, 8 sorties of offensive air support missions and 3 sorties of air defensive missions. In one of the offensive support missions, he was responsible for locating and later directing an attack at well-camouflaged enemy headquarters bunkers between Rajinderganj and Mahenderganj which resulted in the capture of the enemy Headquarters and about 160 enemy personnel. In counter air operations, his contribution was unique. On 6th December, 1971, he was in the first bomb strike mission of the Squadron over Tezgaon Airfield, rendering it inoperative. On the night of 12th December 1971, he attacked a ghost Airfield at Narsingdi and followed the attack by day Bombing and rendered the airfield unusable. He was also in the formation that struck a vital military target in Dacca on the 14th December, 1971. He was also in the first formation that stricke enemy troop concentrations in Dacca University, which accelerated the surrender of Pakistani forces in Bangla Desh.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Hemant Sharat Kumar Sardesai displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.