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Léo Major

Léo Major was a Canadian soldier of French-Canadian background who served in the Second World War and the Korean War.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Léo Major was a Canadian soldier of French-Canadian background who served in the Second World War and the Korean War. He is best known for helping liberate Zwolle in the Netherlands in 1945 and for receiving the Distinguished Conduct Medal twice, in two separate wars.

Biography

Léo Major was born on January 23, 1921, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and later lived in Quebec. He served in the Canadian Army during the Second World War and the Korean War, becoming one of Canada’s most celebrated wartime soldiers.

Second World War service

During the Second World War, Major served with Canadian forces in Europe and took part in the liberation of Zwolle in the Netherlands. According to commemorative accounts, Major entered Zwolle alone after his companion was killed, contacted the Dutch underground, and convinced German forces that the city was surrounded by a much larger Canadian force, prompting their withdrawal. Veterans Affairs Canada notes that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for that action.

Korean War service

Major later served in the Korean War, where he again earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal for leading the capture of a key hill in 1951. He remains the only Canadian to receive the award in two wars.

Legacy

Major is remembered in Canada and the Netherlands for his wartime bravery and for the story of Zwolle’s liberation. He is widely presented in Canadian commemorative sources as an iconic military figure. Veterans Affairs Canada and Britannica describe him as a Canadian hero.

Key facts

  • Léo Major served in both the Second World War and the Korean War.
  • He helped liberate the Dutch city of Zwolle in April 1945.
  • He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal twice, once for actions in World War II and again for bravery in the Korean War.
  • He is the only Canadian known to have received the Distinguished Conduct Medal in two separate wars.
  • He is considered a Canadian hero by Veterans Affairs Canada and Britannica.
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Canadian context

Major is a significant figure in Canadian military history and remembrance, especially for Quebec and for Canada’s role in the Second World War and the Korean War.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Leo Major?
Leo Major was a Canadian soldier of French-Canadian background who fought in the Second World War and the Korean War. He is best known for liberating Zwolle and receiving the Distinguished Conduct Medal twice.
What did Leo Major do in WWII?
In the Second World War, Major served with Canadian forces in Europe and became famous for helping liberate Zwolle in the Netherlands. He also earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his wartime bravery.
How did Leo Major liberate Zwolle?
According to commemorative accounts, Major entered Zwolle alone after his companion was killed, contacted the Dutch underground, and convinced German forces that the city was surrounded by a much larger Canadian force, prompting their withdrawal.
What awards did Leo Major receive?
He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal twice, once for actions in the Second World War and again for bravery in the Korean War. He is the only Canadian known to have earned the DCM in two separate wars.
Is Leo Major a Canadian hero?
Yes. Veterans Affairs Canada and Britannica describe him as a decorated Canadian hero, and his liberation of Zwolle is a major part of his reputation in Canadian military history.

References

  1. Veterans Affairs Canada — https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/leo-major
    Supports: Canadian service, DCM awarded twice, only Canadian to receive the DCM in two wars
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leo-Major
    Supports: Biography, dates, Canadian hero status, Second World War and Korean War service
  3. Defining Moments Canada — https://www.definingmomentscanada.ca/veday75/virtual-exhibit/the-journeys/leo-major/
    Supports: Canadian wartime service and DCM recognition
  4. Liberation Route Europe — https://www.liberationroute.com/en/stories/53/leo-major
    Supports: Liberation of Zwolle and civic recognition in Zwolle
  5. Valour Canada — https://valourcanada.ca/military-history-library/leo-major-liberates-zwolle/
    Supports: Detailed account of Zwolle liberation