Magdalena Leones: Filipina Spy

and the Unsung Heroism of World War II

A Research Proposal

in Partial fulfillment of the Requirements

in Readings in Philippine History

Submitted By:

Araneta, Arginel N.

Basher, Hussein A.

Brosas, Jenny N.

Caunin, Jayson Allen C.

Degullado, Joana Micaela G.

Nieva, Thea Adelaide M.

Siño, Kristelle Mae C.

Submitted To:

Patrick John S. Espiritu

Professor

I. Introduction
 Human history abounds with stories of courageous fighters, renowned rulers, and

influential individuals, yet embedded within these well-documented narratives lie numerous

untold stories of everyday men and women who overcame adversity, challenged societal norms,

and personified true heroism.

These unsung heroes have influenced our shared fate as the quiet champions of mankind,

whose selfless deeds and unwavering commitment to principles of justice, liberty, and

advancement have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of history. They have been

instrumental in shaping history from the battlegrounds of ancient societies to contemporary

movements for equality and harmony.

Examining the stories and contributions of lesser-known heroes can provide valuable

perspectives on human nature and enable us to understand our collective history, present, and

future because heroism, a timeless and cross-cultural concept, serves as a universal language,

comprehensible to all generations. Whether through acts of bravery, intellectual achievements,

moral strength, or spiritual beliefs, heroism has consistently inspired and provided hope for

humanity throughout history.

One such historical figure, Magdalena Leones, epitomizes the essence of unsung heroism.

She was born on August 19, 1920, in Lubuagan, Kalinga, Philippines. During World War II,

Leones bravely fought against the oppressive regime of Japan, risking her life to deliver critical

intelligence and essential resources to the Allied forces. Her steadfast commitment to her country

and its people resulted in her being awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military honor in

the United States Armed Forces for bravery in combat. Despite the lack of recognition for many

years, Leones' tale serves as a powerful reminder of the impactful nature of unrecognized

heroism.
 By exploring the lives and contributions of forgotten figures such as Magdalena Leones,

we pay tribute to their memory, draw inspiration from their actions, and develop a more intricate

comprehension of the human condition. Moreover, to analyze the enduring significance of her

brave actions in shaping our shared future. In addition, this study imparts valuable insights into

qualities such as leadership, perseverance, empathy, and the concept of heroism, equipping us

with the skills needed to tackle future obstacles and establish links between historical events and

present-day societal challenges.

II. Thesis

Magdalena Leones, known as the 'Lioness' of agents, was a Filipina resistance fighter,

spy, war veteran, and unsung hero born in the Mountain Province as the daughter of a Filipino

Protestant pastor. Her peaceful childhood was abruptly interrupted by the Japanese invasion of

the Philippines in 1942, during which she witnessed horrific atrocities. This experience led her to

transition from a bystander to a fighter against the Japanese occupation. Leones risked her life

carrying important intelligence data, radio parts, and medical supplies through enemy-held
territory in Luzon. Despite being arrested multiple times, Leones always managed to escape

through her proficient use of language skills to save lives and acquire crucial intelligence for the

Allied forces, demonstrating her resourcefulness and determination.

She ultimately served with distinction in the USAFIP-NL under General Tomoyuki

Yamashita, earning a U.S. Silver Star for her bravery in action on Luzon Philippine Island.

Leones played a crucial role in the early liberation of the Philippines and exemplified the

significant contributions of women in the fight for freedom. The Philippine Historical

Association has recognized her heroism in a documentary titled "Mapalad ang inyong mga apo -

Para kay Lolo at Lola Beterano," aiming to educate future generations about her inspiring story

and solidify her place as a national hero. Leones' narrative not only sheds light on the crucial

contribution of women in wartime resistance but serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices

of numerous unsung heroes whose courage and selflessness influenced the course of history. Her

actions symbolize the resilience and perseverance of individuals who, despite adversity,

supported their beliefs and left a lasting mark on the fight for freedom and righteousness. Her

legacy will act as a symbol of bravery that will ignite the flames of patriotism within every

Filipino.
 III. Body

Corporal Magdalena Estoista Leones, a Filipina, war veteran, and often unrecognized

hero, was born on August 19, 1920, in Lubuangan, Kalinga. Born to Christian missionaries in the

Cordillera mountains and raised in a religious family with her father serving as a Protestant

preacher in the Philippines, Leones eventually became a deaconess of the United Evangelical

Church and pursued a career as a teacher to become a nun. This upbringing instilled in her a

compassionate nature, righteous ideals, and justified morals. However, this almost perfect,

serene, and peaceful way of living was inherently short-lived due to the Japanese invasion during

World War II. In December 1941, the Imperial Japanese troops arrived in Northern Luzon and

initiated the colonization of the Philippines. The relentless enemy advance towards Baguio

forced Colonel John Horan, the commander of Camp John Hay, to evacuate the city. The Horan's

troops withdrew to Kalinga, where a turning point occurred. The Fil-American forces decided to
take refuge in the town of Lubuangan, where the church was repurposed as the headquarters for

the battalions, and Leones provided aid in caring for wounded rebels.

When the Japanese soldiers initially captured Magdalena Leones in 1942, they threw her

into concentration camps alongside her fellow missionaries. In this harrowing environment, she

first-handedly witnessed and experienced the sufferings of maltreated innocent individuals. This

encounter probably served as a driving force for Leones to endure and ultimately survive the five

months of captivity. Within the camps, she actively resisted the soldiers' brutality. Upon her

release, Leones discovered her ability to speak Japanese (Nippongo), which she used to protect

her fellow countrymen from the cruelty in the Japanese camps by acting as a translator. This

linguistic skill was crucial when she joined the guerrillas as an intelligence officer for the United

States Army Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL), a role filled with life-

threatening risks. Operating mostly alone, Leones infiltrated enemy lines, exchanged crucial

information with resistance leaders, transported medical supplies and radio parts, documented

enemy ships' information, contents, and captains, and collected vital information about enemy

dispositions and military installations. Despite being captured three times by the Japanese

government before the age of 25, Leones managed to evade capture each time through her clever

tactics and strategies. The radio equipment she handled played a pivotal role in communication

with General Douglas MacArthur, aiding in the historic Leyte Landing and ultimately leading to

the liberation of the Philippines in October 1944. Through her heroic actions and significant

sacrifices, Leones's intelligence-gathering efforts saved numerous lives during this crucial

wartime struggle.

Colonel Volckmann, the man who gave Leones the special agent position, recommended

her to be awarded the U.S. Silver Star medal. This award is known to be the third-highest
American military decoration to be handed for “gallantry in action against an enemy of the

United States.” When the war ended, Corporal Magdalena Leones was finally awarded the Silver

Star medal by Lt. General O.W. Grisworld of the U.S. Army on October 22, 1945. Her Silver

Star citation reads:

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9,

1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Magdalena Leones, United States

Army, for gallantry in action as Special Agent, U.S. Army Force in the Philippines, North Luzon,

in action at Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 27 February 1944 to 26 September 1944. During the

period cited, Corporal Leones repeatedly risked her life to carry important intelligence data, vital

radio parts, and medical supplies through heavily garrisoned enemy-held territory. Although she

knew that detection by the enemy would result in torture and execution, Corporal Leones

fearlessly continued her perilous missions between guerrilla forces throughout Luzon with

notable success. Through her intrepidity and skill as a special agent, Corporal Leones contributed

materially to the early liberation of the Philippine Islands.”

In World War II, Corporal Leones stood out as the sole Asian woman to be honored with

this prestigious award. In addition to this recognition, she received several other awards, such as

the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Philippine Independence Ribbon, the Resistance Movement

Medal, and the World War II Medal. These awards only begin to acknowledge the significant

contributions made by Corporal Magdalena Leones and the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who

bravely fought alongside the United States during the war. Collectively, they all shared in the

honor represented by these awards.

After the war, Magdalena Leones maintained a low profile and moved to California in

1969. She secured a job as a clerk at Pacific Bell and bought homes in Richmond and San Jose.
She married Pedro Tabor and had three sons, Guillermo, Gildon, and Gregorio Tabor; a daughter,

Alijadra Maytas of West Virginia; and an adopted son, Leonard Yates. Leones had thirteen

grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Despite having a large family to carry on her

legacy, reports indicate that she did not speak positively about her involvement in the war.

Following her peaceful passing at the age of 95 in June 2016, the San Francisco Board of

Supervisors posthumously honored her with a Certificate of Honor as a tribute and respect to her

memory. Further, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) approved her burial at the

Libingan ng mga Bayani, recognizing her significant contributions to serving her country's

interests.

Above all her triumphs, Corporal Magdalena Estoista Leones distinguished herself not

only as a guerilla spy or an intelligence officer but also as an unfathomable mark in history that

empowered the capabilities of women who were undervalued back then. Her story serves as an

impressive example of how this empowerment has played a crucial role in shaping the societal

landscape, where women persist in breaking perceived barriers.

IV. Conclusion

Magdalena Leones, the Filipina spy, and unsung hero of World War II illuminates a

narrative of extraordinary courage and selflessness. She demonstrated remarkable courage and

dedication to the nation's cause through her bold efforts as a guerrilla fighter and intelligence

operative. Also, Leones not only surpassed expectations but also displayed exceptional resilience

and steadfast dedication to the liberation of her nation. Her receipt of the prestigious Silver Star
Medal, unique for an Asian woman during that era, symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice she

embodied.

Acknowledging the importance of these unsung heroes and understanding the challenges

they faced allows us to appreciate the freedoms we have today, and we not only pay tribute

to their memory but also derive motivation from their unwavering commitment to a righteous

cause. Their sacrifices serve as a reminder that achieving independence requires collective effort,

with everyone’s contribution, no matter how small, making a meaningful impact. Also,

recognizing and honoring these unsung heroes promotes a sense of national identity and unity,

inspiring future generations to uphold the ideals of freedom and justice.

By shedding light on Leones' story and the countless other overlooked heroes of WWII,

this research emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and honoring individuals whose

courage influenced history. Moreover, Magdalena Leones' story serves as a powerful reminder

that women have always played essential roles in shaping the world, empowering others to

challenge stereotypes and pursue their goals with determination and bravery. Further, Magdalena

Leones stands as a testament to the undefeatable spirit of those who fought in the shadows,

reminding us of the profound impact that unsung heroes have had on our collective journey

toward freedom and justice.

 V. Recommendations

Based on the conclusions evaluated, the following recommendations are made:

1. Incorporate the narratives of lesser-known figures such as Magdalena Leones into the

academic syllabus to guarantee that future generations are informed about their acts

of selflessness and impact on historical events.

2. Create specialized programs or modules that center on the contributions of women in

wartime efforts, emphasizing their frequently overlooked roles in influencing

significant historical occurrences.

3. Establish memorials or monuments dedicated to unsung heroes of World War II,

including Magdalena Leones, to officially acknowledge their courage and

commemorate their invaluable contributions to the war effort.

4. Arrange yearly events or ceremonies that honor these overlooked heroes,

guaranteeing that their legacy endures in the collective consciousness of society.

5. Encourage further research into the lives and experiences of individuals like

Magdalena Leones, intending to reveal additional narratives of heroism and resilience

exhibited amidst periods of conflict.

6. Support initiatives that record and conserve the stories of unsung heroes through oral

history projects, archival work, and digital mediums to protect their legacy for future

generations.

7. Initiate public awareness initiatives or exhibitions highlighting the narratives of

underappreciated heroes, emphasizing their significant contributions to shaping

historical occurrences and inspiring contemporary values of bravery and selflessness.

8. Collaborate with media outlets, museums, and educational institutions to elevate the

voices of these overlooked heroes, guaranteeing that their accomplishments are

acknowledged and honored on a broad scale.

 VI. References

Guerrillas. Under One Flag. (n.d.).

https://exhibition.dutytocountry.org/the-crucible-of-war/guerrillas/

Brando. (2024, January 30). Magdalena Leones: Only Asian female and Filipina to receive the
silver star medal. Igorotage. https://www.igorotage.com/blog/p/wXWP9/magdalena-
leones-silver-star-awardee

Serafica, R. M. (2016, June 23). WWII Filipina spy dies at 95. RAPPLER.
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/137362-world-war-filipina-spy-magdalena-leones/

Magdalena Leones - Amazing filipino women heroes - PVAO. (n.d.). https://pvao.gov.ph/pvao-

gad-updates/magdalena-leones/

Finding Magdalena Leones. Bea Pantoja. (2017, March 6).

https://www.bea-pantoja.com/finding-magdalena-leones/

NBCUniversal News Group. (2016, July 5). Magdalena Leones, Filipina WWII Silver Star
recipient who aided MacArthur, dies in California. NBCNews.com.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/magdalena-leones-filipina-wwii-silver-star-
recepient-who-aided-macarthur-n603566

Lazatin, H. (1970, January 1). An upcoming graphic novel tells the tale of Magdalena Leones, a
spy and guerilla fighter. Esquiremag.ph.
https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/magdalena-leones-graphic-novels-a00308-
20191124

Guerrillas in the Philippines. Heritage Bn. (n.d.).

https://corregidor.proboards.com/thread/1829/guerrillas-philippines?page=4