He was then attached to No. 62 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, to fly in the Bristol F.2b two-seater fighter. No. 62 Squadron moved to France in January 1918, where Gordon was paired with Captain Bill Staton as his pilot. Gordon gained his first aerial victory (Staton's third) on 21 March 1918, and followed it with a triple victory on the 26th. Gordon was promoted to lieutenant on 28 March 1918. His fifth victory, which earned him "ace" status, came on 1 April. The next day Major-General John Salmond, Commander of the RAF in the Field, authorized his recommendation for the award of the Military Cross.