Gibson was enlisted in service on February 16, 1942 at Fort McClellan in Alabama. His enlistment was for the duration of the war and an additional six months, which could change, depending how the president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, strategized the placements of his troops. He fought as a part of the 82nd Airborne Division of the 307th Engineer Battalion. One of the first missions Gibson took part in was the invasion of Sicily. It was the first parachute assault conducted by the US Army. Gibson also took part in the invasion of Normandy.He boarded transport planes and gliders, and the entire division gained its first medal of honor. The regiment was prepared by replacing troops and training. They blocked Germany’s advance past the Elbe River.