World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Wing Commander in the 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force. In 1943, he was selected to command the new 617 Squadron asked to destroy the Mohne and Eder Dams in the Ruhr area Germany. To accomplish this they were provided with bombs designed and developed to be dropped from 60 feet from a predefined distance to skip to the dam's edge and explode. On the night of May 16, 1943, despite the full moon, Captain Gibson led his squadron of 19 Lancasters carrying one bomb each. It took five attempts to breach the Moehne Dam, he then led the remaining Lancasters to attack and breach the Eder Dam destroying it. Only 11 of the bombers survived the mission, 53 crew members died in the raid. For leadership, determination and valour of the highest order, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal. He was killed later in the war. In 1955, his actions were portrayed in the film "Dam Busters" starring actor Richard Todd as Wing Commander Gibson.
World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Wing Commander in the 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force. In 1943, he was selected to command the new 617 Squadron asked to destroy the Mohne and Eder Dams in the Ruhr area Germany. To accomplish this they were provided with bombs designed and developed to be dropped from 60 feet from a predefined distance to skip to the dam's edge and explode. On the night of May 16, 1943, despite the full moon, Captain Gibson led his squadron of 19 Lancasters carrying one bomb each. It took five attempts to breach the Moehne Dam, he then led the remaining Lancasters to attack and breach the Eder Dam destroying it. Only 11 of the bombers survived the mission, 53 crew members died in the raid. For leadership, determination and valour of the highest order, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal. He was killed later in the war. In 1955, his actions were portrayed in the film "Dam Busters" starring actor Richard Todd as Wing Commander Gibson.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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