(R) Sgt. Tommy Prince, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, with his brother, (L) Pte. Morris Prince, Buckingham Palace, 1945
Thomas George Prince MM (October 25, 1915 – November 25, 1977) was a legendary Indigenous Canadian war hero and one of Canada's most decorated First Nations soldiers, serving in World War II and the Korean War. He was the most decorated soldier in the First Special Service Force (or Devil's Brigade) during World War II.
Adjusting to civilian life had not been easy for Prince after World War II, and with painfully arthritic knees as a result of the long, harsh conditions during his military service, his capabilities were limited. Coupled with the discrimination against Native people at the time, his life became increasingly difficult, ultimately ending in his estrangement from his family and the placement of his children in foster homes.
In June 1955 Tommy Prince made the news for his heroism in saving a man from drowning at the Alexander Docks in Winnipeg. However, he spiralled into a depression and his personal life kept deteriorating and alcoholism overtook him, resulting in his final years being spent virtually alone, living in a Salvation Armyhostel. In order to support himself, he sold off his medals. He died in 1977 at Winnipeg's Deer Lodge Centre, a health care facility specializing in geriatric care and treatment of veterans, and was interred in Brookside Cemetery, Winnipeg.
We are a non commercial community interested only in the discussion of all things military.
We do not sell or authorise the use of images hosted on our servers, if you wish to purchase or use imagery contact the uploader directly.(you will need to register). Any requests received to purchase or use imagery will be ignored. Thank you and welcome to MI.Net
You have been here as a guest for a while, I guess we are doing something right?
Register as a member and join in the discussions, its completely free and we would welcome your contributions.
All the best admin - MI.Net
We value your privacy
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.