Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon IAF Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was a pilot of a Gnat detachment based at Srinagar for the air defence of the Valley against Pakistani air attacks in 1971. From the very outbreak of the hostilities, he and his colleagues fought successive waves of intruding Pakistani aircraft with valour and determination, maintaining the high reputation of Gnat aircraft. The heroism, gallantry, flying skill, and determination which was above and beyond the call of duty, displayed by Flying Officer Sekhon in the face of certain death, have set new heights in Air Force traditions.