On the 4th April 1988, Wing Commander Daljit Singh Minhas was flying Hunter Mk 56 aircraft. On the final approach for landing, the aircraft flamed out without warning at the very low and critical height of 200 feet. He realised that he had to eject immediately if he had to have even a very slender chance of survival. Also as a dedicated officer he realised that were he to do so his aircraft would in all probability crash into village Asnabani which was just ahead on the approach. This brave officer chose to stay with the aircraft for a few seconds longer to control it and ensure that the village was safe. He ejected but his aircraft was already too low for any chance of survival.

He would have been fully justified in ejecting from the aircraft to save his life. His deliberate decision to stay with his crippled aircraft and sacrifice his own life rather than risk those of others point to his immense bravery far beyond the call and honour of duty. The supreme sacrifice so deliberately and coolly made by him in a situation of extreme distress and crisis will for ever be an example for others to emulate.

Wing Commander Daljit Singh Minhas, thus displayed conspicuous courage, a high degree of professionalism and sense of duty in grave distress leading to is making the supreme sacrifice, in the finest traditions of the Air Force.