Who led the Dambusters raid in WW2?

The "Dam Busters" was the use of a purpose-built "bouncing bomb" invented and developed by Barnes Wallis.

Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson, (12 August 1918 – 19 September 1944), was the first Commanding Officer of the Royal Air Force's No. 617 Squadron, which he led in the "Dam Busters" raid (Operation Chastise) in 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, and in June 1943 became the most highly decorated serviceman in the country, but lost his life later in the war. He had completed over 170 operations at the age of 26.

After the decision was made to attack the Ruhr dams, it was decided to hand the direct responsibility for the detailed planning, preparation and execution to Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane, AOC No. 5 Group. He was informed he must form a new squadron and Gibson was nominated as the Commanding Officer.

On 18 March Gibson attended an interview at HQ No. 5 Group where he was asked if he was willing to fly on "one more trip". Gibson indicated that he was. He attended a further interview the following day when he was told that he was to command a new squadron, which would be required to fly low at night with an objective that had to be achieved by 19 May. At this meeting, he was introduced to Group Captain John Whitworth, the commander of RAF Scampton where the new squadron was to be stationed.