On Friday, February 3, 2023, staff from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School, Division Administration and the Board of Trustees were in attendance to formally open the "Tommy Prince Library" in honour the memory of Sgt. Thomas (Tommy) George Prince, MM.
The grand opening event consisted of a traditional Elder Blessing and formal greetings from dignitaries and family members from Sgt. Tommy Prince, including his son, Tommy Prince Jr. and nephew, Jim Bear, as well as members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI), and members from our Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples' Council (BUAPC).
"The honours and recognition of Tommy Prince are long overdue, and we must never lose sight of his incredible contribution to our ongoing rights and freedoms."
Jim Murray, BSD Board of Trustees (Vice-Chairperson)
Tommy Prince was from the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, one of 11 children. He was a direct descendant of both Chief Peguis and Chief William Prince. He enlisted in the army in 1940, initially serving with the Royal Canadian Engeinners and later as a paratrooper with the 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion. This unit then merged with an elite American unit to form the 1st Special Service Force, a 1,600-person strong force that the German's referred to as the Devils Brigade.
His personal exploits were legendary, and his name was soon known by service men on both sides. His bravery and unselfish service to his unit and country earned him the Military Medal, issued by King George VI.
Sgt. Tommy Prince is one of Canada's most-decorated Indigenous war veterans, having been awarded a total of 11 medals for his service in the Second World War and the Korean War.
On behalf of the president of the United States, Sgt. Prince was also awarded the Silver Star with ribbon, and is one of only three individuals to receive both of these medals in WW II.
After serving in the second world war, and being honourably discharged, Sgt. Prince once again enlisted to serve in Korea, this time with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry. After his service, he returned to Winnipeg.
Sgt. Prince died at the age of 62 years in 1977. During his funeral, he was honoured by his First Nation, the Province of Manitoba, the Government of Canada, and the Governments of France, Italy, and the United States.
Tommy Prince had a strong sense of duty and pride in his people. He dedicated himself to attaining increased educational and economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
A warrior is not someone who fights for the sake of fighting, a warrior is a peaceful person capable of, and willing to, risk all in the service of others. This is the man Tommy Prince was.
