Magdalena Leoness

Magdalena "Maggie" Estoista Leones (August 19, 1920 – June 16, 2016) was a Filipino intelligence officer during World War II. She is the first and only Asian woman to receive a Silver Star Medal for her wartime contributions.

Early life Leones was born in Lubuagan, Kalinga to an evangelical missionary. She served as a deaconess at the United Evangelical Church.

Leones was working as a teacher and preparing to be a nun when the Japanese invasion happened.

When Leones was released, she witnessed an execution of 20+ young citizens. It prompted her to visit towns to see how she could help, even though travelling was prohibited at the time. She once saved Filipino evacuees from execution when she convinced Japanese troops that they came from a wedding.

Leones garnered and carried intel, medical supplies and radio parts through enemy-held territories and checkpoints. She also served as a translator between Ilocano and English speakers. Her church connections and knowledge in Nihongo were advantageous in travelling and obtaining information.

Leones was arrested 3 times by the Japanese government and she always managed to escape. On her last capture, she sweet-talked and bribed a guard.

Leones's son eventually found out about his mother's wartime feats while doing research. Her grandchild once wrote a school report about her being a war hero but her teacher refused to believe it. She brought her grandmother's medal to school in order to prove.

Awards Silver Star Medal