Léo Major: The One-Eyed Ghost Who Liberated a City Alone

In the vast, brutal landscape of World War II, stories of extraordinary heroism often shine like beacons amid the darkness of human conflict. Some names are etched into history with valor, resilience, and almost mythical courage.

One of those names is Léo Major, a French-Canadian soldier whose exploits rival the most legendary wartime figures. From single-handedly liberating a Dutch city to capturing hundreds of enemy soldiers on his own, Major's life reads like the script of a war film, but every word is true.

This is the story of the man who refused to surrender, who turned adversity into triumph, and whose legacy still echoes through history.

I would say, he's the Canadian Rambo !

Early Life and Enlistment

Léo Major was born on January 23, 1921, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to French-Canadian parents. His family soon returned to Montreal, Quebec, where he grew up in a challenging household. His relationship with his father, reportedly abusive, shaped Léo’s fiercely independent and defiant spirit.

Seeking escape and purpose, he enlisted in the Regiment de la Chaudière of the Canadian Army in 1940 at the age of 19, eager to fight in the war that had engulfed the world. His decision to serve wasn’t just about duty, it was a chance to prove himself and protect the values he believed in.

D-Day and the Loss of an Eye

Léo Major’s baptism by fire came during the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Landing on Juno Beach, he immediately distinguished himself in combat. As a scout and sniper, his ability to move stealthily and strike with precision made him invaluable.

During a reconnaissance mission, Major encountered a German half-track and engaged in a fierce firefight, ultimately capturing the vehicle and its crew.

Shortly after, he survived an explosion that left him blind in his left eye. For most soldiers, this would have meant discharge and a return home, but not for Léo.

He famously told his commanding officer:"I only need one eye to aim."

Refusing medical evacuation, he stayed on the front lines, turning his injury into a badge of honor.

The Battle of the Scheldt and a Medal Refused

Later in 1944, Major fought in the Battle of the Scheldt, a brutal campaign to clear German forces from the critical waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands. During one skirmish, he single-handedly captured a German armored vehicle, using it to transport prisoners back to Allied lines.

His bravery earned him a nomination for the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) one of the highest awards for valor in the British Commonwealth. But Léo, in a rare display of defiance, refused the medal, stating that General Montgomery, who would have presented the award, was unfit to lead and undeserving of his respect.

This act of rebellion showcased Major’s uncompromising character: he fought for his comrades and his cause, not for medals or recognition.

The Liberation of Zwolle, A One-Man Army

Léo Major’s most legendary exploit occurred in April 1945, during the liberation of the Netherlands. His unit was tasked with liberating the city of Zwolle, which was heavily fortified by German SS troops.

The commanders anticipated high casualties, but Léo and his best friend, Corporal Willy Arseneault, volunteered to infiltrate the city and assess enemy positions.

Tragically, Arseneault was killed in an ambush on the outskirts of Zwolle, dying in Major’s arms. Grief-stricken but resolute, Léo swore to finish the mission alone and what followed is almost beyond belief.

Under cover of darkness, Léo launched a one-man assault on the city. Using guerrilla tactics, he stalked through the streets, capturing and killing German soldiers in small groups. He set fire to the Gestapo headquarters, seized weapons caches, and even captured a German officer, whom he forced to lead him to various outposts.

Major played psychological warfare with the Germans: he fired his weapon, lobbed grenades, and created chaos to give the illusion of a large-scale assault. Terrified and confused, the Germans began retreating.

By dawn, Zwolle was liberated, and Major returned to his regiment exhausted but victorious.

For this astonishing feat, he was again awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and this time, he accepted it.

The Korean War and Another Medal

Léo Major’s war career didn’t end with World War II. When the Korean War erupted, he re-enlisted with the Royal 22nd Regiment (the "Van Doos") and was sent to fight under United Nations command.

In 1951, during the Battle of Hill 355 (nicknamed "Little Gibraltar"), Major once again demonstrated his fearless leadership. He led his unit in a successful counterattack to retake the hill from Chinese forces, holding the position under relentless artillery bombardment for three days.

His heroics in Korea earned him a Bar to his DCM, making him one of the very few soldiers in history to receive the medal twice in two different wars.

Post-War Life and Legacy

After his military service, Léo Major returned to Canada, where he lived a quiet life with his wife and children. He rarely spoke about his wartime exploits, preferring humility over fame. Yet his legacy endured, especially in Zwolle, where he is celebrated as a liberator and hero.

In 2005, a street in Zwolle was named in his honor, and the people of the city continue to commemorate the man who freed them with unparalleled bravery.

Léo Major passed away on October 12, 2008, at the age of 87. He was laid to rest as one of Canada’s greatest unsung heroes, a man who defied injury, fear, and overwhelming odds to protect others.

Last Post Fund National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Quebec

The Spirit of Léo Major

Léo Major’s life is a testament to the power of determination, loyalty, and sheer will. His story reminds us that true heroism isn’t about seeking glory but about standing up for what is right, no matter the cost. He was a soldier who never backed down, even when the world tried to break him.

Today, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who honor his sacrifice and through the eternal gratitude of the people he freed. Léo Major wasn’t just a warrior, he was a symbol of the unyielding spirit of freedom.

In a world that still struggles with conflict and division, his story continues to inspire: a reminder that one person, driven by courage and conviction, really can change the course of history.

Books:

In 2016, author Erick Drapeau published a novel inspired by Major's life titled Léo Major: un héros québécois. This fictionalized account draws from Major's real-life exploits to tell a compelling story of heroism.

In 2019, military historian Luc Lépine released a biography entitled Léo Major, un héros résilient: L'homme qui libéra une ville à lui seul. This work provides an in-depth look at Major's resilience and his remarkable wartime achievements.

Documentaries:

In 2018, the documentary Léo Major : le fantôme borgne (Léo Major: The One-Eyed Ghost) was broadcast, offering a detailed visual account of Major's life and military service.

Movie:

In 2024, the movie The Liberation Men