Emile Armand Gibon started his military career as a simple soldier at the 41st Line Infantry Regiment of Brest (Brittany) under the command of his own father who was commanding the very same regiment. After climbing through the ranks, he became officer on April 25, 1836. He served in Algeria at the Tirailleur Battalion of Oran. Because of his courage in action, he was admitted to the Légion d'Honneur on August 12, 1845 and promoted Commander on May 29, 1849. He then served in Crimea and took part at the Battle of Alma on September 20, 1854.