[1] He was appointed a deputy to Anton Tus, at the time Chief of General Staff and became in charge of establishing a frontline from Eastern Slavonia towards Dubrovnik, across the length of entire country.

During the Operation Storm, Stipetić was initially assigned commander of Croatian forces in eastern Slavonia, where Serbian counter-attack was expected.

However, after the failure of Croatian Army offensive in region Banija, he was ordered by president Tuđman to take over command on that line of attack and improve the situation.

Upon his arrival, Stipetić modified attack plans and ordered forces under his command to bypass enemy strongpoints which resulted with CA achieving a breakthrough,[4] while 21st Kordun Corps of ARSK subsequently surrendered.

[6]After the surrender was formalised, Stipetić unsuccessfully attempted to urge fleeing Serb civilians to remain in their homes and allowed all officers of the defeated army to keep their sidearms.