Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 442 (Caribou) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

September 14th, 1945

"This officer has displayed the highest standard of skill and resolution in his attacks on the enemy. Among his successes is the destruction of four enemy aircraft. Two of these he shot down recently in an engagement against a large force of enemy fighters. Flight Lieutenant Gordon was wounded and his aircraft badly damaged but he effected a successful crash-landing.

NOTE: DHist file 181.009 D.2833 (RG.24 Volume 20632) has recommendation drafted 8 January 1945 when he had flown 275 sorties (335 operational hours. Detail bears comparison with above:

Flight Lieutenant Gordon has taken part in 275 sorties against the enemy in Africa and Europe and has displayed great keenness and determination to engage the enemy at all times, both in the air and on the ground. He has taken part in many bombing and strafing sorties with great efficiency and success. On one occasion recently this officer was returning early by himself from the squadron formation due to his aircraft being unserviceable. Nevertheless on hearing over the radio of enemy activity he went to the vicinity and sighted and attacked 50 or more enemy fighters. He succeeded in destroying two before he was wounded and his aircraft so badly damaged he was forced to crash land. This brought his total number of enemy aircraft destroyed in the air to four and one-half, four probably destroyed and five damaged. He has at all times set a high example to his squadron and has always shown great courage and devotion to duty."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 402 (Winnipeg Bears) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1945

"Both in the air and on the ground this officer has displayed outstanding courage and skill in operations against the enemy. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross he has destroyed five more enemy aircraft bringing his total victories to at least nine enemy aircraft destroyed and others damaged. He has led his squadron in many relentless attacks against enemy road and rail transport in heavily defended areas and has inflicted considerable damage on the enemy's lines of communications. At all times Squadron Leader Gordon has displayed brilliant leadership, a fine fighting spirit and great determination."

Second DFC received as bar

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)