Tommy Prince

Sergeant Thomas George “Tommy” Prince, MM (1915–1977)

Unit: Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)
Service: World War II & Korean War
Heritage: Anishinaabe (Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Manitoba)

🪶 Early Life

Tommy Prince was born on October 25, 1915, in the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation near Scanterbury, Manitoba. He came from a proud family of warriors — his grandfather had fought in the Red River Resistance under Louis Riel. Growing up, Tommy learned traditional Ojibway tracking and hunting skills — abilities that would later make him one of Canada’s greatest wartime scouts.

⚔️ World War II Heroism

Prince enlisted in 1940 and joined the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and later the elite 1st Special Service Force (The Devil’s Brigade) — a joint U.S.-Canadian commando unit known for daring behind-enemy-lines missions.

His courage and creativity in combat became legendary:

• During one mission in Italy, Prince set up communication lines between Allied and enemy positions. When the line broke, he disguised himself as a farmer, calmly walked into the open under enemy fire, repaired the line, and returned — reporting valuable intelligence that led to the destruction of four enemy positions.

• For his bravery, he received the Military Medal (MM) from King George VI at Buckingham Palace.

🌍 Korean War Service

Despite enduring racism and hardship after World War II, Tommy Prince re-enlisted to serve in the Korean War with the PPCLI. He continued to lead patrols and mentor younger soldiers with the same courage that defined his earlier service.

🕊️ Life After War

When he returned home, Prince faced severe discrimination — his veteran benefits were denied, and he struggled with poverty for the rest of his life. Despite his service, he was often overlooked by the country he fought to protect.

Tommy Prince passed away in 1977, at the age of 62, and was buried with full military honours at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg.

🌟 Legacy

Today, Tommy Prince is remembered as one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldiers, a man whose bravery, humility, and devotion to duty broke barriers and inspired generations.

• Over 11 medals earned between two wars

• Honoured in schools, monuments, and the Tommy Prince Barracks in Winnipeg

• A symbol of Indigenous strength, resilience, and patriotism

❤️ MMCM Remembers

At MMCM, we honour Sergeant Tommy Prince not only for his bravery in battle, but for his courage in facing the injustices that followed.
He reminds us that true heroism doesn’t end when the war does — it continues in the fight for equality, dignity, and remembrance.