Léo Major

In two wars he earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal twice.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1921 to French Canadian parents, Léo Major grew up in Montreal and joined the Canadian Army in 1940. With Le Régiment de la Chaudière, he landed in Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944. He suffered a serious injury to his left eye during the campaign but continued to serve.

In April 1945, Major and Corporal Wilfrid Arsenault reconnoitred Zwolle ahead of a planned Canadian attack. After Arsenault was killed, Major continued into the German-held town. He worked with Dutch civilians and resistance members, gathered information about the German withdrawal, and helped facilitate the Canadian advance. His courage and initiative earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Major volunteered for the Korean War and served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment. In November 1951, while serving as a corporal, he led an eighteen-man scout and sniper platoon during fighting near Hill 355. His men reoccupied a lost Canadian position and held it against counterattacks with supporting mortar fire. His courage and leadership earned a Bar to his Distinguished Conduct Medal, a second award for gallantry in a different war.

After service, Major lived in Quebec and maintained a lasting connection with Zwolle, which made him an honorary citizen in 2005. He died on 12 October 2008 and was buried at the National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.