bravery

1889Which highly decorated Canadian Indigenous soldier is regarded as the most effective sniper of the First World War?

Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwa from the Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound, Ontario, is recognized as the most effective sniper of the First World War and one of Canada’s most highly decorated Indigenous soldiers. Renowned for his exceptional marksmanship and bravery, Pegahmagabow is credited with 378 confirmed kills and the capture of 300 enemy soldiers—an unparalleled record among Allied forces. Despite being wounded twice and awarded the Military Medal with two bars for acts of heroism, he remained a humble figure, later dedicating his life to Indigenous rights and leadership. His remarkable legacy is honoured today across Canada, including a memorial cairn built from Parry Island river rocks and the naming of a Canadian Ranger building in his memory.

1915Which military decoration did France create during the Great War to recognize acts of bravery on the battlefield?

The French Croix de Guerre was created on 8 April 1915 to recognize acts of exceptional bravery during World War I, becoming France’s most iconic military decoration of the Great War. Born from a need to formally honor soldiers mentioned in despatches for gallant deeds, the award quickly became a symbol of heroism for both French and Allied troops. The medal’s distinctive green and red ribbon and array of stars and palms signified the scale and type of courage displayed, and by 1920, over 1.2 million Croix de Guerre had been awarded—including to military units, towns, and even the heroic carrier pigeon Cher Ami, who saved 194 lives in 1918. This enduring symbol of valor marks its 111th anniversary in 2026, a testament to the widespread sacrifice and spirit of the First World War.