The Memory Project: Claude Petit
Claude Petit (Army) of Wetaskiwin, AB served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Korea. He is the Past President of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association.
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Claude Petit (Army) of Wetaskiwin, AB served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Korea. He is the Past President of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association. Petit tells stories about life in Korea, training in Canada, and his experience on the front lines. He recalls engaging in fire fights with Chinese and North Korean Soldiers.
EXCERPT:
Well, I went with my cousin to Regina. I just went for the ride and I got strapped in because I was only 15 years old. And he was going to join the army. I had no money, I was staying with my grandma. My parents were up in Northern Ontario working. And he says, well, “come on for the ride.” He says, “I’ve got money off my old man to go into Regina.” So we went and he was filling in the papers, doing the tests. I did one too but I didn’t know what I was … And all of a sudden, I was in the army. And I didn’t know what to say. I told my grandma I was just going for the day, she said it was okay. And I come back and I had seven days leave.