[4] Long distance patrols were undertaken between 6 September and 12 October 1942 to cover wider lines of possible enemy approach through the Yodda Valley, the jungle tracks around Esau Creek and Brown River and along Engineer Road in support of Honner Force.
With the offensive started in the Battle of Buna-Gona, the 2/6th patrolled in front of the United States Army's 1st Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, along the coast from Pongani to Buna.
[8][9] Arriving at the front line at Buna on 20 November 1942, the 2/6th was engaged in the heavy fighting around the airfield named New Strip until the early December 1942 during which time they were employed mainly in a traditional infantry role.
[12] The 2/6th sailed from Townsville for Port Moresby in August 1943, and then, in the middle of September, with Gordon in command, it was flown to an area just west of the Leron River, in the Markham Valley for the upcoming Markham–Ramu campaign.
During the Battle of Kaiapit, on 19–20 September 1943, Gordon was wounded in the leg, however he continued to lead his men against overwhelming odds and was later awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions.
[2] After the war, Gordon completed his architectural degree and practised as an architect until he joined his father's stockbroking firm of Ralph W. King and Yuill as a partner in 1955.
Gordon continued his affiliation with the Army, joining the 17/18th Battalion, the North Shore Regiment, which was formed as part of the Citizens Military Force in 1948.