Operation Enduring Freedom

    This Commendation was created in 2002 to recognize the outstanding service of Canadian Forces in times of conflict under direct enemy fire.  It is open to the Canadian Forces, as well as the members of Commonwealth and foreign forces working in conjunction with Canadian Forces.  A Governor Generals News Release on 12 March 2003, announced that the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation would be awarded to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

Between 4 February and 30 July 2002, the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group (3 PPCLI BG) spearheaded Operation APOLLO, Canada’s contribution to the international war against terrorism in Afghanistan.  This was the first deployment into combat operations by a Canadian Army unit against a declared enemy in five decades.  The Battle Group was deployed to a heavily mined and war-torn country for operations against an elusive enemy under the most extreme weather conditions.  The Battle Group flawlessly conducted three air-assault operations into harsh, mountainous terrain, contributed successfully to a fourth, and set the standard within their parent United States Army Brigade, Task Force RAKKASAN, for security operations on the Kandahar Airfield. 

Well-disciplined and well led, the Battle Group distinguished itself in every facet of this exceptionally challenging operation.  The extraordinary performance of the men and women of the 3 PPCLI BG in the war against terrorism has brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.