The Soldier Who Liberated a Nazi-Occupied City Alone in WWII | Leo Major #history #ww2 #historia
May 9, 2026
Description
In World War II, Leo Major cemented his legacy as a hero soldier by single-handedly liberating a Nazi-occupied city.
After losing his left eye during the 1944 Normandy landings, Major refused to be sent home, famously stating that one eye was enough to aim.
In April 1945, he entered the city of Zwolle alone after his partner was killed by the Nazis.
By utilizing grenades and rapid submachine gun fire to simulate a massive Canadian battalion, he deceived the German forces into believing they were surrounded.
This daring solo mission saved 50,000 civilians from a planned artillery bombardment. Léo Major earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery and later became the only Canadian to receive the honor in two separate wars after his service in the Korean War.
#worldwar2 #MilitaryHistory