Weighing 170 lbs when taken captive on May 6, 1942, Leon weighed a mere 82 lbs upon his release 3 years later. Although official notice that he was missing was sent to relatives in May of 1942, his status as a prisoner of war was not confirmed until March of 1943. Ten long months of waiting and not knowing for them. Ten months of what grew into three long years of endurance ~ of starvation, abuse and agony ~ for him.
During captivity, Leon spent time in four prison camps. His mistreatment was noted on pages 89-90 in the book First Into Nagasaki: The Censored Eyewitness Dispatches On Post-Atomic Japan by George Weller, Anthony Weller and Walter Cronkite. He is listed in the Government and Military Related Records of WWII Prisoners of War and Missing in Action as an Honored Texan.
Uncle Leon was a Marine. He was a man of kind heart as well. He did not flaunt his scars. He did not solicit glory or accolades. He passed away on September 24, 1983, at his home in Houston, Texas. This site is established in his honor.
The documents and letters contained here bear but pale witness to his service and dedication. Below is a timeline of documents and letters pertaining to his military life. As additional materials are transcribed, they will be posted.
December 6, 1945 ~ Letter from President Harry Truman, President of the United States, recognizing Leon Cleboski’s service and offering the nation’s appreciation
Timeline via Documents
May 9, 1942 ~ re: MIA status … telegram to John Cleboski from T Holcomb, Commandant USMC
March 22, 1943 ~ re: POW status confirmation … letter to John Cleboski from CP Lancaster, Captain USMC
Retrospective letter circa 1970s ~ re: conditions encountered after capture … letter written by Leon Cleboski
Photo of Bilibad POW Camp
Notebook cover of friends held at Cabanatuan POW Camp
January 20, 1945 ~ re: transcription of Radio Tokyo broadcast containing message from Leon Cleboski … letter to Frank Cleboski from T.S. Hare, Lieutenant Commander, US Navy
January, 1945 ~ re: Houston newspaper article concerning the Radio Tokyo broadcast
October 6, 1945 ~ re: confirmation of Leon’s release from Japanese confinement … telegrams to L.B. and John Cleboski from A.A. Vandegrift, Commandant USMC
October, 1945 ~ re: confirmation of Leon’s return trip and POW camps where he was held … letter to family from Staff Sergeant Robert A Hunter, USMC Correspondent
September 21, 1945 ~ re: homecoming letter to Frank Cleboski from Leon
November 2, 1945 ~ re: return to freedom … baggage claim check
November 5, 1945 … re: Repatriation POW Identification and Liberty Card
