OCTOBER 25, 1915

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

Born in Petersfield, Manitoba, Prince joined the Canadian Army in 1940 and served in the Canadian American “Devil’s Brigade.” At Anzio, Tommy 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, the Italy, France, and Germany Stars, 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, he again worked to improve Indian opportunities. Prince died in Winnipeg on November 25, 1977. 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.