Famous Canadian Soldiers

Léo Major was a Canadian soldier known for his exceptional bravery and leadership during World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) twice, a rare achievement in the British Commonwealth. Major's first DCM was earned during WWII for a successful reconnaissance mission in the liberation of Zwolle, where he saved the city from planned artillery fire. In the Korean War, he received his second DCM for leading the capture of a strategic hill in 1951.

Harold Russell was an American World War II veteran known for his role in the film "The Best Years of Our Lives." Despite losing his hands during military service, he was cast in the film and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Russell made history as the first non-professional actor to win an Academy Award for acting. Additionally, he became the first Oscar recipient to sell his award. His impactful performance and unique achievements have left a lasting legacy in the film industry.

Francis Pegahmagabow was a highly decorated Ojibwe soldier, politician, and activist in Canada. He was renowned as the most effective sniper of the First World War, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more. Pegahmagabow was awarded the Military Medal three times and was known for his expertise as a marksman and scout. Later in life, he served as chief and councillor for the Wasauksing First Nation, and was actively involved in various First Nations organizations, collaborating with prominent indigenous figures.

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was a multi-talented individual who served as a Canadian soldier, physician, poet, author, and artist during World War I. He played a crucial role as a surgeon in the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium. McCrae is renowned for his poignant war memorial poem "In Flanders Fields," which has become an enduring symbol of remembrance. His professional life was marked by his dedication to both medicine and the arts, leaving a lasting impact through his literary and military contributions.

George Beurling was the most successful Canadian fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War. He was known for his exceptional skills in combat, credited with shooting down 27 Axis aircraft in just 14 days over Malta. Beurling was recognized as a hero and was given nicknames such as "The Falcon of Malta" and the "Knight of Malta". Despite his success, his wartime service was terminated early due to his reckless behavior and lack of teamwork. He tragically died in a crash while attempting to deliver an aircraft to Israel.

Conn Smythe was a prominent Canadian businessman, soldier, and sportsman known for his significant contributions to ice hockey and horse racing. He was the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1927 to 1961 and played a key role in the construction of Maple Leaf Gardens. Smythe's name is engraved on the Stanley Cup eight times for the Leafs' championship wins. He also served in both World Wars, organized his artillery battery, and achieved notable success in horse racing with his stable winning the Queen's Plate three times. Additionally, Smythe operated a successful sand and gravel business.

Rob Furlong is a Canadian former military sniper known for holding the world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat from March 2002 to November 2009. During this time, he achieved a remarkable shot at a distance of 2,430 meters. Furlong's marksmanship skills and precision were highly regarded within the military community, earning him recognition for his exceptional talents as a sniper. His record remained unbroken for over seven years until it was surpassed by another skilled sniper.

Major General Sir Samuel Benfield Steele had a distinguished career as a Canadian soldier and policeman. He served as an officer in the North-West Mounted Police and played a key role in maintaining law and order during the Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon. Steele also served as the commanding officer of Strathcona's Horse during the Boer War, demonstrating leadership and strategic acumen in combat. His contributions to law enforcement and military operations made him a respected figure in Canadian history.

Arthur Roy Brown was a Canadian flying ace of the First World War, known for his exceptional skills as a pilot. Credited with ten aerial victories, he was officially recognized by the Royal Air Force for shooting down the famous German ace, Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the "Red Baron." Brown's achievements in combat earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and Bar. His legacy is marked by his significant contributions to the Allied forces during the war, showcasing bravery and strategic prowess in aerial combat.

Private George Lawrence Price was a Canadian soldier who served during the First World War. He is notably remembered as the last soldier of the British Empire to be killed in action before the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. Price bravely fought in the war, demonstrating his dedication to his country and his comrades. His ultimate sacrifice symbolizes the immense loss and tragedy experienced during the conflict, highlighting the courage and selflessness displayed by those who served in the armed forces.

Wilfrid Reid "Wop" May was a distinguished Canadian flying ace in WWI, notable for being the last Allied pilot pursued by Manfred von Richthofen. Following the war, May became a pioneering bush pilot in Canada, working for Canadian Airways in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. He played a key role in advancing aviation in remote regions, contributing significantly to the development of air travel and transportation in Canada. May's legacy as a skilled aviator and innovator in the field of aviation endures to this day.

Air Marshal William Avery Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED, was a renowned Canadian flying ace of the First World War, credited with 72 victories. He received the Victoria Cross for his exceptional bravery. In the Second World War, Bishop played a key role in establishing the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. His contributions to the aviation industry were significant, and he remains one of the top Canadian and British Empire aces in history, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of military aviation.

William Stephenson was a Canadian soldier, fighter pilot, businessman, and spymaster known for his role as the senior representative of the British Security Coordination during World War II. Operating under the code name Intrepid, he facilitated the exchange of intelligence between the western allies, passing British scientific secrets to Roosevelt and American secrets to Churchill. Stephenson's efforts were instrumental in shifting American public opinion towards supporting the United States' entry into the war, earning him recognition as a key figure in the conflict's intelligence and diplomatic efforts.

Johnny Bower, known as "The China Wall," was a renowned Canadian ice hockey goaltender who achieved great success during his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and won four Stanley Cups. Bower was recognized as one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history in 2017. His impressive skills and contributions to the sport solidified his legacy as one of the most talented and respected goaltenders in NHL history.

Mackenzie Bowell was a Canadian newspaper publisher and politician who served as the fifth prime minister of Canada from 1894 to 1896. He began his career as an apprentice in a printing shop before eventually owning and operating the Belleville Intelligencer. Bowell entered politics in 1867 and held various ministerial positions under three different prime ministers. His tenure as prime minister was marked by challenges, particularly with the Manitoba Schools Question, leading to his resignation in 1896. Bowell continued to serve as a senator until his passing.

Colonel George Stanley was a distinguished Canadian figure known for his multifaceted professional life. He served as a soldier, historian, and public servant, contributing significantly to academia at Mount Allison University. His most notable achievement was designing the Canadian Flag, a symbol of national pride and unity. Stanley's work as an author and historian showcased his expertise and passion for Canadian history. Throughout his career, he left a lasting impact on various fields, leaving behind a legacy of service and accomplishment.

Rick J. Hillier is a retired Canadian Forces general who served as the chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) from 2005 to 2008. Prior to this role, he was the chief of the Land Staff. In 2020-2021, Hillier led Ontario's vaccination task force during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his career, he demonstrated strong leadership and strategic planning skills, contributing significantly to the Canadian military and public health response efforts.

Kiesza, also known as Kiesa Rae Ellestad, is a Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Calgary. She gained recognition for her music talents, releasing albums like "Sound of a Woman" in 2014 and "Crave" in 2020. Despite facing a setback due to a car accident in 2017, which led to severe injuries and a break from her career, Kiesza has shown resilience and determination in her professional life. Her music showcases her unique style and passion for creating meaningful and captivating songs.

Lewis Wharton MacKenzie is a Canadian retired major general, author, and media commentator. He gained prominence for establishing and leading Sector Sarajevo under the United Nations Protection Force in the former Yugoslavia in 1992. Despite criticism for his involvement in the Somalia Affair and Canada's peacekeeping shortcomings in Bosnia, MacKenzie remained an influential figure. He later became a vocal critic of NATO's role in the Kosovo War, contributing to discussions on military interventions and international conflicts.

John Babcock's professional journey began when he attempted to join the army at fifteen but was initially turned down. He was later accepted into the Young Soldiers Battalion in 1917 and transferred to the UK for training until the end of World War I. Despite never seeing combat, Babcock did not consider himself a veteran. He later moved to the US, where he joined the Army and pursued a career as an electrician, eventually becoming the last surviving Canadian veteran of WWI.

Major Talbot Mercer Papineau was a Canadian lawyer and military officer. He was bilingual in French and English and received a Rhodes Scholarship in 1905. After studying law at Brasenose College, Oxford, he returned to Montreal to practice law. He enlisted with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 1914 and rose to the rank of major. Papineau was awarded the Military Cross for his actions in Belgium. He was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

Major-General George Kitching was a distinguished Canadian Army officer with a notable military career. He served during World War II, demonstrating leadership and bravery in active combat. Kitching's dedication to duty and outstanding performance earned him recognition through various awards, including the CBE, DSO, and CD. Throughout his professional life, he exemplified a strong commitment to serving his country and contributing to the success of military operations. Kitching's strategic acumen and tactical expertise solidified his reputation as a respected and accomplished military leader.

General Sir William Dillon Otter was a distinguished Canadian soldier who rose through the ranks to become the first Canadian-born Chief of the General Staff. He served with distinction in various military campaigns, including the Red River Expedition, the North-West Rebellion, and the South African War. Otter was known for his leadership skills, strategic thinking, and dedication to the Canadian Militia. His contributions to the military significantly impacted the development of the Canadian Armed Forces and solidified his legacy as a respected military leader.