Recently promoted and recently qualified, Sergeant Gibbons was relatively inexperienced for the challenges he would face before the deployment to Now Zad in July 2006. Despite having no previous experience of mortaring he showed the natural ability that would be so important to success in Afghanistan by achieving a distinction on both of the qualifying courses he attended. Within three months of this he was tested to the extreme as a professional mortarman, soldier and leader. After only two days in Afghanistan, he was instrumental in ensuring the successful deployment of the mortar section to Now Zad with only one hour's notice. His drive, enthusiasm and professionalism enabled the mortars to go into action against the Taliban within minutes of their arrival. Sergeant Gibbons remained in Now Zad between 15 July and 1 November 2006. He lived and fought throughout from a shallow trench system constructed on a hill that dominated the town. The conditions were austere and highly dangerous. Living only on rations, with minimal water and without overhead protection, his position experienced over 50 contacts from accurate and sustained direct and indirect fire. Sergeant Gibbons led by example throughout and, despite the incoming fire, bravely adjusted accurate fire onto enemy positions, some within 90 metres of his own forces. In total he controlled over 1200 high explosive rounds and accounted for most of the Taliban destroyed during the deployment.

Two months after returning, Sergeant Gibbons was warned to deploy with C Company Group to Sangin. He brought a wealth of experience from Now Zad to their training, often sacrificing his personal time to prepare lessons and produced aids that would be vital for the battle ahead. In Sangin his experience, skill and courage were once again tested fully. The Taliban offensive was at its height with four well coordinated, multi-directional attacks each day. Fully cognisant of the danger he would face, Sergeant Gibbons showed the same exceptional level of sustained courage in Sangin. Arriving at the District Compound in contact, he immediately improved the accuracy of all indirect fire and rationalised the system used to identify the enemy. This ensured faster, better coordinated and far more effective reactions to attacks, and inflicted greater losses on the enemy as a result. Sergeant Gibbons was seriously wounded after eleven days in Sangin. During a significant attack by the enemy, he was hit in the legs by an 82mm Recoilless Rifle round whilst running to his fighting position. Selflessly he insisted on giving his second-in-command a full handover briefing before he was evacuated to medical care, despite the extreme pain and discomfort. His recovery is proving to be slow and painful; however, he is bearing up exceptionally well to this ultimate test of character. Indeed, his fight to regain fitness is an example to all the injured soldiers in the Battalion.

Sergeant Gibbons provided the exemplary leadership required to make the indirect fire support so effective at countering the significant Taliban offensives in both isolated outposts. His personal example and continuous bravery in the face of sustained enemy attacks led to tangible successes against the enemy. For his extraordinary courage and selfless service he is unreservedly recommended for public recognition.

Signature of Lt Col PW Merriman
Initiating Officer ...............................................................................................................
Rank
LT COL
Date 20 SEP 2007 Place ALEXANDER BARRACKS, DHEKELIA

On 5th September 2005 Fus Daniel Smith was acting as top cover in the 2nd vehicle of a two vehicle patrol when the first vehicle came under attack through a road side improvised explosive device. He immediately deployed to the stricken vehicle and on opening the rear doors he was confronted with the devastating sight of two of his close colleagues having received catastrophic injuries. Bus Smith a trained medic , carried a rapid and accurate triage Fus Meade had suffered traumatic limb amputation' served facial injuries and was unresponsive and not breathing. Fus Smith's action were of a determined and consummate professional, far above and beyond his years, experience and level of training. These who witnessed his actions have commended him:additionally his resilience and daemon post the incident were exemplary despite the deaths of two friends

Only six days later, on the 11th September 2005 Fus Smith was again acting as top cover on a vehicle patrol, this time in Basra City. At approximately 1110hrs local time the first vehicle in the two vehicle convoy was attacked by a massive roadside improvised explosive device. Fus Smith again , without direction or hesitation. Immediately ran to the immobilised vehicle. On reaching the vehicle and gaining access to the rear where he knew there were four of his colleagues , he was again confronted with the multiple casualties with catastrophic injuries. The vehicle was awash with fuel caused by the rupture of a jerry cans and Fus Smith applied direct pressure and a tourniquet to the affected limb, which stemmed the blood loss sufficiently until medical assistance arrived.
These action prevented deterioration of his condition and probably saved the life of Fus Tuila.

Fus Smith once again displayed a level of tremendous bravery, coolness and professionalism under attack in an extremely dangerous tactical and environment situation. With a total disregard for his own safety on two separate occasions in one week, seeing several of his colleagues killed or horrifically wounded. Fus Smith showed outstanding courage far above and beyond what could be reasonably be expected of this young soldier. These factors and the combination of testaments taken from witnesses at two separate incidents, merit the highest possible recognition

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Achievements
Our George Medal Winner
The most fitting words with which to record the fact that Bus Smith ( C Company ) has been awarded the George Medal must be his citation - We had the privilege of breaking the news of the medal to Bus Smith during Exercise saffron Sand . One cool September night , in the middle of the Jordanian desert Fus Smith Maj Prior (senior officer present WO1 RSM Barnett , his Company 2IC Capt Mills (OC in Iraq with advance party ) Lt Hayes (old Pl Comd) and WO2 CSM Corbett, all gathered in a green canvas tent , with a few cans of beer which conjured up from somewhere Fus Smith was told HM The Queen had approved his award. There were mixed emotion this most prestigious award stirred pride but also brought back memories of collages lost in Iraq: in particular Fus Meade and Manning. The news of the medal broke close to the anniversary of the incidents in question and as the battalion prepared to return to Iraq. A memorial gathering was held in Jordan and later memorial service was held I Al Shaiba log Base in Iraq ,attended by Bn HQ staff .C Company and FSp Company. The Regiment is privileged and extremely proud to now have a serving Fusilier who holds the George Medal.