Walter Leja

Who is Walter Leja?

Walter Leja was a Canadian soldier who dismantled two separatist bombs hidden in a mailbox at the corner of Lansdowne and Westmount Avenue on May 17, 1963. The bombs were planted by the Front de libération du Québec, while this specific bomb was planted by Jean-Denis Lamoureux, who was subsequently jailed for his illegal activities with the FLQ.

A third bomb cost Leja most of his left arm. His face and chest were crushed. He suffered brain damage, lost the ability to speak and became paralyzed on his right side. Although initial reports said Leja's chances of survival were extremely slim, he did survive. He received the George Medal in January 1964 for conspicuous courage and outstanding devotion to duty.

Leja was born in Poland and became a Canadian citizen.

In 2013, a movement was created to have the Quebec National Assembly declare Walter Leja a hero.