Canada officially stayed out of the Vietnam War, but that didn’t stop 30,000 to 40,000 Canadians from fighting in it. In this episode of Rum Ration, we uncover the stories of these forgotten fighters—some seeking adventure, others drafted while living in the U.S., and many serving in combat roles, from infantry to elite units like the Green Berets.

We highlight Peter C. Lemon, a Toronto-born Medal of Honor recipient who fought off hundreds of enemy soldiers despite being wounded. We also explore the unrecognized service of men like Daniel Cunningham, who enlisted in the U.S. Marines but returned home to no recognition.

Despite Canada’s neutrality, it supplied the U.S. with war materials while welcoming draft dodgers—playing both sides of history. With no official acknowledgment for these veterans, their stories remain largely untold. Join us as we raise a glass to their courage and sacrifice.

If you’re looking for more in-depth information, here are links to two excellent articles that will provide additional insight and perspective:

• Lost to history: the Canadians who fought in Vietnam, written by Chris Corday · CBC News
• The Canadian Way: The Case of Canadian Vietnam War Veterans, written by Ryan Goldsworthy in Canadian Military Journal, Issue 15, No

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Cheers to history! 🥂