The One-eyed Scout who Liberated a Whole Town by Himself

Main Points of Léo Major's Story

• Introduction: Canadian-French soldier from Montreal who enlisted at 19 in 1940.

• D-Day Participation: Took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, capturing a German half-track and signaling artillery.

• Encounter with Waffen SS: Killed four enemy soldiers and was wounded in his left eye, but refused evacuation.

• Heroic Actions in Escaut: Captured 93 German soldiers alone during an intense battle and received the Distinguished Conduct Medal but refused it due to disagreement with General Montgomery.

• Injuries and Return: Sustained serious injuries from a landmine in February 1945 but rejoined his unit for the final offensive.

• Liberation of Zwolle: Liberated Zwolle alone on April 13, 1945, after a series of assaults, aided by Dutch resistance members, and confronted the German garrison.