'For conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. In the Boutillerie Sector, near Armentieres, on the 10th December 1916, Rifleman Gifford was one of a Lewis Gun Team in the salient on which the army attempted a raid. The team stuck to their post under a violent preliminary bombardment, but as the enemy approached our parapet all the gunners were wounded except one man. Rifleman Gifford, though severely hit, bravely resumed his place on the fire-step and stood guard over his fallen comrades until the repulse of the raiders, at which he continued to assist with rifle fire, was accomplished. He had been so severely wounded that he died a few days later. Rifleman Gifford had always done very fine work with the Lewis Gun, being a man of great resource and in every position of danger fearless to a degree.'
Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 1 June 1917.