During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Mahabir Prasad Premi was commanding a Helicopter detachment in the Rajasthan sector. On the 6th December, 1971, while engaged in casualty evacuation he discovered an unexploded bomb lying near his Helicopter. On two early occasions delay fuse bombs had exploded in its vicinity. Realising that if the bomb near the Helicopter exploded the Helicopter would be damaged, he decided to take off the Helicopter. After he had started up the Helicopter, an air raid alert was given over the airfield, but inspite of it he took off and landed the Helicopter in a safer area. Immediately after this bomb exploded as expected but by his timely action the Helicopter was saved. On the 11th December, 1971, he evacuated two casualties from an area which was under enemy air attack.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Mahabir Prasad Premi displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.