Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was born in a Sikh Jat family on 17 July 1943[4] in the village of Isewal, Ludhiana, Punjab Province, British India.

On 14 December 1971, Srinagar airfield was attacked by six Pakistan Air Force F-86 jets of 26 Squadron from PAF Base Peshawar.

Only delayed due to dust kicked up by the preceding Gnat, Sekhon lost no time in singling out the first Sabre pair, which was re-forming after the bombing run.

Lt. Ghumman lost visual with his wingman just after take-off, remained out of the fight leaving Sekhon to handle the muddle all by himself.

In the ensuing air battle, Sekhon scored a direct hit on one Sabre and set another ablaze.The latter was seen heading away towards Rajauri, trailing smoke.

[7] Sekhon, after being hit, was advised to return to the base by ATC Squadron Leader Virendera Singh Pathania.

[8] He is said to have flown in straight, wings level for some time, then going inverted and plummeting down, probably due failure of control system.

[11]Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is remembered for his gallantry and statues of him have also been erected in many cities in Punjab.

A marine tanker built in 1985 was named Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC.

His name is displayed near the amar jawan jyoti (Eternal Flame) and as relief mural on the outside background wall with the Param Vir Chakra awardees who attained martyrdom in J&K.