Canadian destroyers in Korean waters were more than usually active in the latter part of May and first
part of June. HMCS Nootka had a particularly warm time of it. She had, in fact, the narrowest escape from battle
scars of any of the Canadian ships that have operated in the war zone.

On May 30. while shooting up targets in the Chongjin area, far up the east coast of Korea, the Nootka and the USS Thomason (destroyer escort) came under heavy, accurate fire from shore batteries. The Reds' first salvoes landed close by the Nootka and succeeding broadsides continued to bracket and straddle her as she turned to seaward
to open the range. One salvo landed so close on the port side that water was thrown over the bridge and a lookout and two of "A" gun's loading numbers had their helmets blown off.

Within the time it took the Nootka to steam out of range, an estimated 150 shells landed in close vicinity to the ship, about 15 salvoes coming within 20 yards and 40 within 200. The upper deck was sprayed with shell fragments, some up to eight inches in length, but, fortunately, damage was negligible and there were no casualties.