Through the efforts of Canada's External Affairs Minister, Lester B. Pearson,
the UN General Assembly agreed to its first peacekeeping force to secure
peace in the region (previous operations had been only observer forces).
Under the command of a Canadian, MGen Eedson Louis Millard BURNS,
(OC) DSO OBE MC, the UNEF, on 07 November 1956, was given a mandate
to secure the removal of Israeli, British and French troops from the Suez
canal zone and the Gaza Strip and to maintain peace in the area. The first
Canadian troops arrived in Egypt on 24 November 1956, and Egypt
abruptly asked them to leave in May 1967, leading to the six-day war
between Israel and Egypt. Thirty-two Canadians lost their lives serving
with this force. Awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 07
November 1956 to 17 June 1967.