拍品專文
Only 38 Distinguished Flying Medals were awarded to soldiers in the 1939-45 War, Gibbs being the sole member of the Royal Artillery to be so honoured.
D.F.M. London Gazette 1.2.1945. Recommendation states 'This Non-Commissioned Officer, as a Rear Observer, has taken part in many operational sorties, throughout which he has displayed a high degree of keenness and devotion to duty. On one occasion in September 1944, when engaged on a low-level sortie over the Boulogne area, his aircraft was hit by a small arms bullet. The Pilot sustained severe superficial injuries to his right hand, arm and shoulder and temporarily lost consciousness. With great coolness and presence of mind Lance-Bombardier Gibbs grasped the control column and maintained the aircraft in level flight, at the same time ministering first aid to the Pilot. Later the Pilot recovered consciousness and was able to regain control with his left hand but was unable to operate the throttle. Lance-Bombardier Gibbs skillfully manipulated the damaged control on the directions given to him by the Pilot and a safe landing was effected. The assistance given so promptly by this Non-Commissioned Officer saved two lives and further damage to the aircraft'.
D.F.M. London Gazette 1.2.1945. Recommendation states 'This Non-Commissioned Officer, as a Rear Observer, has taken part in many operational sorties, throughout which he has displayed a high degree of keenness and devotion to duty. On one occasion in September 1944, when engaged on a low-level sortie over the Boulogne area, his aircraft was hit by a small arms bullet. The Pilot sustained severe superficial injuries to his right hand, arm and shoulder and temporarily lost consciousness. With great coolness and presence of mind Lance-Bombardier Gibbs grasped the control column and maintained the aircraft in level flight, at the same time ministering first aid to the Pilot. Later the Pilot recovered consciousness and was able to regain control with his left hand but was unable to operate the throttle. Lance-Bombardier Gibbs skillfully manipulated the damaged control on the directions given to him by the Pilot and a safe landing was effected. The assistance given so promptly by this Non-Commissioned Officer saved two lives and further damage to the aircraft'.