Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of WO2 Keith Payne and his citation for award of the Victoria Crossphotograph, wo keith payne, victoria cross, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Lt. Col Colin Khan Commandig Officer of 5 RAR with Duc Thanh District Chief Maj Tram Van Ngo and the Senior American Adviser Captain Robert P Heath walk through the rubber after inspecting the site of a successful ambush on the cordon sitephotograph, lt col colin khan, maj tram van ngo, capt robert p heath (us), 5 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, commanding officer, duc thanh district chief, senior american adviser, rubber plantation, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Maj Gen Doug Vincent and a visiting New Zealand politician watch as the Battery Commander 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Aartillery attached to the Australian 1st Field Regt Nui Dat. photograph, maj gen doug vincent, 161 battery rnza, 1st atf base, gibbons collection catalogue, royal new zealand artillery, nui dat, battery commander, australian 1st field regiment, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Maj Neville Smethurst MBE 2IC of the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1970-1971) at Ambassador Harry's residence in Saigon. Maj Smethurst has just refused to accept the presentation of the "Polar Medal" from the Ambassador, telling him he was going to receive it back in Australia with his wife and family present. The Ambassador conceded and the medal was put away. Maj. Smethurst then told of his experiences on Antarctia to the assembled embassy officials, while enjoying some champagne cocktails with some delicious "finger food". After spending a pleasant night in Saigon Maj Smethurst returned to Nui Dat.photograph, nui dat, saigon, ambassador harry, maj neville smethurst, gibbons collection catalogue, polar medal, mbe, member of the order of the british empire, 7th battalion, royal australian regiment, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Lt Col Mike Naughton after receiving his OBE from the Governor of NSW Sir Roden Cutler VC. Standing next to Sir Roden is a Medic who received the Military Medal for bravery in Vietnam at the same ceremony.photograph, lt col naughton, sir roden cutler vc, order of the british empire (obe), gibbons collection catalogue, medic, military medal, victoria cross, governor of nsw, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of WO1 Reginald Amos Bandy MBE, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is met by his wife on arrival at the Garden Island Naval Base, Sydney, NSW after the Battalion had completed its second tour of duty in Vietnam (1970-1971)photograph, wo1 reginald amos bandy mbe, member of the order of the british empire (mbe), 7 rar, garden island naval base, sydney, gibbons collection catalogue, 7th battalion, regimental sergeant major, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of 1st Australian Task Force Deputy Commander accompanied by the Commanding Officer of 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit salute the South Vietnamese flag as the National Anthem is played during a handing over ceremony at Baria, Phuoc Tuy Province Capitalphotograph, 1st atf base, 1st australian civil affairs unit, baria, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, deputy commander, commanding officer, south vietnamese national anthem, handing over ceremony, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of The Australian Ambassador to South Vietnam Mr Ralph Harry inspects a front end loader at the Phuoc Tuy Province Capital, Baria prior to a handing over ceramony of the machine and other equipment to the Province Chief Lt Col Nguyen Ba Truocphotograph, ambassador harry, phuoc tuy province, baria, lt col nguyen ba truoc, gibbons collection catalogue, mr ralph harry (australian ambassador to south vietnam), province chief, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of - In a formal ceremony at the American Air Base Phan Rang, South Vietnam, the RAAF's 2 Squadron Canberra Bombers are presented with the US Presidential Unit Citation for actions during WW2. The Squadron had just arrived for active duty from Malaya (circa April 1967)photograph, us air base phan rang, raaf, 2 squadron raaf, us presidental unit citation, gibbons collection catalogue, canberra bomber, ww2, malaya, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps Theatre Sister June Minchow, in the operating theatre, prepares an American pilot badly burned when is helicopter was shot down, for surgery at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, whil the anesthetist looks on.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, sister june minchow, vung tau, royal australian army nursing corps, gibbons collection catalogue, wounded serviceman, wounded american pilot, anesthetist, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, X-Ray Sgt prepares a digger for an X-Ray. The facilities within the hospital were first class, better than a great many smaller hospitals back in Australia. Wounded and sick diggers received first class care.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, vung tau, x-ray technicians, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of - In the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, Autoclave room medics John Tulloch and Peter Carey assist nursing sister Capt Fay Lewis in preparing medical and surgical packs for autoclaving.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, john tulloch - medic, peter carey (medic), capt fay lewis, gibbons collection catalogue, nursing sister, autoclave, medics, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Medic Tony Thomas checks operating theatre stores following a day of operations on diggers at the 1st Australian Field Hospital located in the Australian Logisitic Support Base.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, 1st australian logistic support base, tony thomas - medic, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, wounded servicemen, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of - Contemplation at Back Beach Vung Tau 1970 for a digger from 8th Battalion, The Royal Autralian Regiment, a forward scout, suffered a severe leg wound when shot by a NVA/VietCcong using an AK47 assault riflephotograph, back beach, nva/vc, ak 47, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, wounded serviceman, nva/vietcong, 8th battalion, the royal australian regiment, denis gibbons, forward scout

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of The Quartermaster Capt John Knowles (standing) at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, discusses the preparation, construction and supply of some medal ribbons with his Warrant Officer for issue to some members of the hospital unitphotograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, capt john knowles, gibbons collection catalogue, quartermasters store, quartermaster, warrant officer, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of - While Physiotherapist Lt Sue Wooley in the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, Physio hut discusses treatment for the seated digger, another patient undergoes treatment on an exercise bike.photograph, physiotherapy, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, lt sue wooley, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, wounded servicemen, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of two armoured personnel carriers (APC's) pass a Centurian Tank Bridgelayer during Operation Matilda. A fully armoured operation conducted by the 1st Australian Task Force in three provinces East of Saigon. (Photograph 25/01/1970)photograph, centurion tank bridge layer, apc, operation matilda, 1st australian task force, gibbons collection catalogue, saigon, armoured personnel carrier, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of George St, Sydney, NSW, Australia 1971. Diggers ofthe 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, march through the city of Sydney, through a ticker tape welcome, past the City hall and the movie theatre district.photograph, 7 rar, 7th battalion, parade, gibbons collection catalogue, sydney parade, welcome home parade, diggers, the royal australian regiment

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers cover their face and turn their bodies away from the "rotor wash" as a helicopter delivers "packs: (people) and other supplies into the field. Some of the diggers were reinforcements, whilst others were returning from sickness or leave.photograph, helicopter, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, reinforcements, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Contat, Contact, Contact....late afternoon section strength TAOR Patrol, Long Binh, Operation Federal, 14th March 1969, 7 Platoon, C Company 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), under heavy fire from both sides of the road the riflemen engage the enemy to their immediate rightphotograph, operation federal, long binh, 7 platoon, c coy, 4rar nz, gibbons collection catalogue, taor patrol, 4 rar/nz (anzac), riflemen, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers from 9th Battallion, Royal Australian Regiment enjoy a cool bath during operations South West of the Australian Task force at Nui Dat. The Diggers were allowed, six at a time to complete their ablutions. The battalion had been in the field for three weeksphotograph, 9th battalion, 9 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, australian task force, nui dat, diggers, the royal australian regiment, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers at the 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam enjoy a spirited game of net ball under the rubber trees. As the years wore on, at the Task Force Base, the Diggers slowly and methodically developed a comfortable base areaphotograph, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 1st australian task force, net ball, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Dinah Lee and digger friend from the audience have the diggers swinging with a song and dance act at the ABC Dance Band Concert Party at the 1st ATF Base, Nui Dat. photograph, dinah lee, entertainers, abc dance band concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, diggers, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Jury Osypenko and Tamara Osypenko of the Feb-Mar 70 South Australian Concert Party perform in close harmony for the wounded and sick Diggers at the1st Field Hospital, Vung Tau. photograph, 1st field hospital, vung tau, jury osypenko, tamara osypenko, gibbons collection catalogue, south australian concert party, entertainers, wounded serviceman, feb-mar 70 south australian concert party, diggers

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a Trio with the Official Mar-Apr 69 West Australian Concert Party play instrumental rock and roll numbers for the Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowl. The variety acts exhibited by the concert party's members was magnificant.photograph, entertainers, west australian concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 1st australian task force, official mar-apr 69 west australian concert party, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of two members of the Feb-Mar 70 South Australian Concert Party, Tamara Osypenko and Jury Osypenko present their unique vocal presentation to the Diggers in the recreation building at the RAAF Air Base, Vung Tau. The duets were a hit with the airmen.photograph, raaf, jury osypenko, tamara osypenko, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, airmen, diggers, feb-mar 70 south australian concert party, raaf air base, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the musicians and artists with the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party, Erica De Wit, Brian Doyle, Walter Preston, Wendy Snushall of the "Prestons", Graham Quy, Glenise Shearman, John Spillman and Neil Yeoman thank the diggers after their afternoon show. is engrossed in her rendition of a song to the assembled Diggers at 1 ATF Base Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowlphotograph, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, sydney concert party, erica de wit, brian doyle, walter preston, wendy snushall, graham guy, glenise shearman, john spillman, neil yoeman, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, official apr-may 70 sydney concert party, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of - At the 1st Field Hospital, Vung Tau, Johhny O'Keefe and his rock and roll band present a morning of rock and roll for the wounded and sick diggers despice the confinement of a very small space. photograph, 1st field hospital, vung tau, johnny o'keefe, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, wounded serviceman, diggers, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of - Townsville, Queensland 18/08/1968, rock and roll stars Little Pattie and Col Joye entertain in the lounge room a a private, members from Delta Company 6 RAR who had missed the original concert in Vietnam on the 18/08/1966 being otherwise engaged in the Battle of Long Tan. In the photograph are also Mrs Doyle, Robin Rencher, Phil Dixon, Ian Campbell and Peter Doyle.photograph, townsville, col joy, little patti, 6 rar, battle of long tan, robin rencher, phil dixon, ian campbell, peter doyle, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, delta company, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and whitie photograph of Armoured Personnel Carriers from the 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam ferry infantry elements across a swollen river whilst conducting search and destroy operations South East of the Task Force Base.photograph, apc, 1st australian task force, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, infantry, armoured personnel carrier, search and destroy mission, denis gibbons