Operation Husky and the Battle of Assoro on the Italian island of Sicily are unknown to many Canadians, despite the key role they played in giving Canadian war efforts international recognition in the Second World War.

The 1943 invasion of Sicily was the first time Canadians led a combat operation.

Charles Hunter was a gunner during the battle.

He jokes that infantry troopers used to call him a five-mile sniper, because of his distance from the front lines.

"We had lots of scary moments. You want to know something? You got used to them, at least I did anyway, and I think just about everybody did," said Hunter.

Desmond Morton says Canadians were chosen to lead the invasion because it was considered an easy, straightforward task.

Solders ended up with luck on their side when they surprised the enemy on Mount Assoro.

"They got to the top, they looked down they see the Germans are having breakfast, washing themselves, totally unprepared, totally unready. Well that doesn't happen very often when you're fighting the Germans," said Morton.

The fight started off easily, but became increasingly difficult and cost many soldiers their lives.

Morton is not surprised most Canadians know little of what happened there

"History is shaped not by Canada, but by ten different education systems, each of them provincial by name and by thought," said Morton.

Steve Gregory wants to change that.

He first learned of Canada's efforts in Sicily from his son's history project, and wants to take Canadians back to where it all took place for Operation Husky 2013.

"The objective is to bring 460 Canadians back to Sicily," said Gregory.

"We are doomed to repeat history unless we remember, with a clear, clear mind, exactly what happened."

Hunter feels many do recognize what role his generation played.

"I think there's a bit of reverence in people with veterans today, possibly because we're so old."

Because they're getting older, Hunter says his generation's stories must be heard so they too will be remembered, along with those who fought and died in World War II.

"People come up to me and say 'thank you.' You know, they never used to do that. They do today. Just 'thank you.'"