NOVEMBER 25, 1977

OJIBWE TOMMY PRINCE–CANADA’S MOST-DECORATED WAR HERO–DIED

Born in Petersfield, Manitoba, October 25, 1915, Prince joined the Canadian Army in 1940 and served in the Canadian-American “Devil’s Brigade.”  At Anzio, he ran a communication line near a German position and, when it was severed, posed as a farmer to fix it.  He earned the Military Medal, American Silver Star, the 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, and War Medal.  Upon discharge, not allowed to vote in federal elections and denied veterans benefits, Prince lobbied to change Canada’s Indian Act.  He later served in Korea receiving the Korean, Canadian Volunteer Service and United Nations Service medals.  Afterwards, Prince again worked to improve Indian opportunities.  He died in Winnipeg.  At his funeral, over 500 people attended, including consuls from France, Italy and the US.  One of Canada’s most decorated First Nations soldiers, his statue in Winnipeg is near that of his ancestor, Salteaux Chief Peguis.  

Source:  Lloyd Dohla, "Thomas Prince: Canada's Forgotten Aboriginal War Hero," First Nations Drum, 9/9/2002.  Retrieved 7/21/2019, http://www.firstnationsdrum.com/2002/09/thomas-prince-canadas-forgotten-aboriginal-war-hero-2/
Photo:  Christopher J. Woods - Canada. Dept. of National Defence, 2/12/1945.  “Tommy Prince with brother Maurice Prince,”).  Public domain in  Canada:  Public domain as subject to Crown copyright and was first published more than 50 years ago.  Public Domain elsewhere where copyright term is author’s life plus 70 years or less.