Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Awarded on:

May 23rd, 1946

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

5th Detachment, No. 1 Special Forces, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1947

"RICHARD P.T. GIBSON, 91219, Major, Middlesex Yeomanry, British Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations in Italy from 1 August 1944 to 1 February 1945 as Commanding Officer of the 5th Detachment No. 1 Special Forces, Major Gibson was responsible for the men and officers sent to enemy occupied territory to assist partisans in sabotage and in harassing enemy movement as well as collecting intelligence for the Allied armies. His was the key pivot job requiring the handling of his own officers and men and directing their abilities, as well as skillfully integrating their efforts with those of the American and Partisan groups. His wholehearted cooperation and untiring efforts helped make possible a degree of teamwork seldom ralied in such far reaching endeavors. At all times, Major Gibson was acutely aware of the changing enemy tides through this coordination of Americans and Partisans. His task was doubly difficult in that he was not only receptacle for information, but helped plan and coordinate joint special operations behind enemy lines for the 15th Army Group. Through his efforts numerous special operations were executed in close cooperation with American missions. Major Gibson's timely and momentous decisions plus the able execution of orders from 15th Army Group facilitated the coordination and cooperation of all agencies both British and American. His tact and diplomacy in handling all matters involving Allied organisations and his enthusiasm in cooperating the fullest at all times was a great credit to himself and the Allied cause.