Guy Gibson

Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson VC, DFC and bar, DSO and bar (12 August 1918 – 19 September 1944), was the first CO of the RAF's 617 Squadron, which he led in the "Dam Busters" raid (Operation Chastise), in 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area. He was killed later in the war.

After the Dams Raid

After receiving his VC Gibson was sent on a lecture tour of the United States by the government, partly to keep the new hero safe. He also wrote an account of the raids, Enemy Coast Ahead. The tour was at a time "when the first American airmen were coming home `tour expired' after 25 operations. During questions one young lady asked `Wing commander Gibson, how many operations have you been on over Germany?' `One hundred and seventy-four.' There was a stunned silience." .

Related Topics:
United States - Robert Thompson

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