Posted by
Randy on Friday, January 30, 2009 10:57:31 PM
I just learned today that Robert Prince, who led "
The Great Raid", died earlier this month. Today, 30 Jan, marks the anniversary of the most successful rescue mission of its type in American history. The 6th Rangers, led by
Col. Henry Mucci (West Point, Class of 1936) and Cpt. Prince (Standford ROTC, Class of 1941), went 25 miles behind enemy lines in the Philippines and freed 511 American POW's in January of 1945.
I met and interviewed Prince at his home in Seattle in the late 90's while I was doing research for my book and for a movie script. Well, Miramax scooped my movie idea (see below), but I was so inspired by the story and Prince that I would call him every year on the anniversary of the Raid, and we'd talk. I met his wife, Barbara, when I visited their home, and January 31 was their wedding anniversary (which was the date the Rangers made it back to American lines with the freed POW's). They married in January of 1942, before he headed off to war, so Prince had two reasons to celebrate 31st each year. Barbara passed on about 5 years ago, and she would usually come up in our conversations.
I always knew this day would come, but today when I called Prince's home in Washington, his son answered. He happened to be at his father's place, so we talked and he told me his dad had died on January 1 at 89 years old. Cpt. Prince and I last spoke this past summer. I had sent him a copy of my book, which he really enjoyed.
Here's a news account of his
passing and more on his
exploits. In life, he demonstrated the highest ideals of Duty, Honor, Country.