History Browser

On 24 and 25 April 1951, the 2nd Battalion of the 'Princess Pats' fought day and night to repel repeated attacks on Kap'yong by the Chinese 118th Division. This action stopped the Chinese advance on Seoul, the Korean capital. Impressed by such gallantry and tenacity, the U.S. president awarded the battalion the American Distinguished Unit Citation, which it has worn ever since. (United States Army Center of Military History, Washington)

From April 22 to May 1, 1951, the Canadians in the action at Kapyong had maintained their position - vital to the brigade defence - while at the same time inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. For their gallant stand during this battle, the 2nd Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the 3rd Royal Australian Regiment received the United States Presidential Citation.

Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter was tested by the conflict in Korea. Canada agreed to help the South Koreans and sent destroyers and transport aircraft. An Army Special Service Force was recruited outside the regular army, to serve in Korea. After the initial tour of the Special Service Force, all of the regular force battalions would rotate to Korean for active combat.