Wing-Commander Guy Gibson (centre) and his fellow dambusters of the Mohne and Eder raids pictured at Buckingham Palace having received their honours from Queen Elizabeth, acting as deputy for King George VI who was abroad. W/C Gibson received his V.C. and Bar to his D.S.O and his thirty three comrades were all decorated. Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar (12 August 1918 ? 19 September 1944), was the first Commanding Officer of the Royal Air Force's No. 617 Squadron, which he led in the "Dam Busters" raid (Operation Chastise) in 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, and in June 1943 became the most highly decorated serviceman in the country, but lost his life later in the war. He had completed over 170 operations at the age of 26.