Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Corporal F. Hardy, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Korea 1950-53, Canadian issue, silver (SB-800622 F. Hardy); U.N. Korea 1950-54 (SB-800622 F. Hardy); together with United States of America, Distinguished Unit Citation riband bar, with gilt surround, traces of lacquer, good very fine (2) £300-400

Francis Hardy served with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, in Korea, and received the United States Army Distinguished Unit Citation (subsequently renamed the Presidential Unit Citation) for successful actions at the Battle of Kap'yong on 14-25 April 1951. The Battle of Kap'yong occurred during the Chinese Spring Offensive and saw the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade establish blocking positions in the Kap'yong Valley, on a key route south to the capital, Seoul. The two forward battalions, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry occupied positions astride the valley and hastily developed defences. As thousands of South Korean soldiers began to withdraw through the valley, the Chinese infiltrated the brigade position under the cover of darkness, and assaulted the Australians on Hill 504 during the evening and into the following day. Although heavily outnumbered, the 27th Brigade held their positions into the afternoon before the Australians were finally withdrawn to positions in the rear of the brigade, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties. The Chinese then turned their attention to the Canadians on Hill 677, but during a fierce night battle they were unable to dislodge them. The fighting helped blunt the Chinese offensive and the actions of the Australians and Canadians at Kap'yong were important in assisting to prevent a breakthrough on the United Nations Command central front, and ultimately the capture of Seoul. The two battalions bore the brunt of the assault and stopped an entire Chinese division during the hard fought defensive battle. The next day, the Chinese withdrew back up the valley.

Sold together with a copy Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea; Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry cap badge, collar tabs, and shoulder flash; Canadian and Commonwealth Forces patches; Canadian Parachutist Wings; and an embroidered U.S. Distinguished Unit Citation riband bar.