Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Retired from the army as a WO1

Corporal Malcolm Gibson enlisted in the Australian Regular Army on 13 April, 1964. He was posted to the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment on 11 December, 1968. Prior to this he had served in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from June 1967 to June 1968 [Wounded in Action].
Corporal Gibson continuously displayed outstanding bravery and determination to close with the enemy. During his service with the 4th Battalion in Vietnam he was wounded three times. On two other occasions he narrowly escaped serious injury from enemy mines.

A typical example of his courage, devotion to duty and leadership was shown in a contact with an enemy force during Operation Goodwood in February, 1969. Corporal Gibson’s section came under heavy enemy fire. He was hit in the stomach with an RPG2 rocket which failed to explode. He was knocked unconscious.

When he regained consciousness some ten minutes later, he found his machine gun group dead and his section pinned down by enemy fire and rendered ineffective. Despite the heavy enemy fire and lack of cover he immediately commenced to crawl forward to man the machine gun. His movements attracted enemy fire and the pack on his back was shot to pieces. He reached the machine gun, provided covering fire for his men and directed them to fire positions. He then rallied them and organised such effective fire that a number of casualties were inflicted on the enemy who were forced to break contact.

Through actions such as this Corporal Gibson was an inspiration to all who served with him. In an action in March 1969 he was wounded and subsequently evacuated to Australia. His continuous examples of bravery, coolness under fire and complete disregard for his own safety brought great credit to himself and the Australian Army.

Courtesy of 2 RAR Association Newsletter dated Dec 2015