Leo Major, a Canadian infantryman, joined the military during World War II to prove himself to his estranged father. On D-Day, Major single-handedly captured a German communications team and secured vital intelligence for the Allies. Despite being severely injured, including the loss of an eye, Major continued to fight and was known as a "pirate-sniper" due to his eye patch. He went on to capture nearly 100 Nazis, repeat the feat a month later, and even single-handedly capture the Dutch city of Zwolle. Major's bravery and exploits earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal twice. After the war, he fought in the Korean War, leading a platoon of scout snipers and earning his second Distinguished Conduct Medal. Major eventually settled into civilian life, returning to the Dutch city of Zwolle regularly and befriending its inhabitants, who thanked him for liberating their city.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Leo Major was a Canadian infantryman who served in the Regiment de la Chaudière during World War II.
2. Major joined the Canadian military in his early twenties to prove to his estranged father that he was someone to be proud of.
3. Major landed on the beaches of France on D-Day and made it through the initial assault intact.
4. He single-handedly captured a German communications team and secured an intelligence victory for the Allies.
5. Major was later injured in a firefight with the Nazi SS and suffered burns to his face, including the loss of his left eye.
6. Despite his injuries, Major convinced his commanding officer to let him stay in the war effort.
7. Major became known as the "pirate-sniper" and wore an eye patch.
8. He continued to fight across France and the Netherlands, capturing numerous German soldiers and earning the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
9. In April 1945, Major captured the Dutch town of Zwolle single-handedly, fooling the German soldiers into believing that the Canadians were attacking.
10. After World War II, Major returned to civilian life but later volunteered for service in the Korean War.
11. During the Korean War, Major led a platoon of scout snipers and played a key role in defending against a Chinese counterattack.
12. Major earned his second Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions in the Korean War.
13. After the Korean War, Major settled into civilian life and raised a son.
14. He regularly returned to the Dutch city of Zwolle, where he was honored for liberating the city.
15. In 2008, Major passed away at the age of 87.