Edward J. Leonski

Edward J. Leonski was a Polish-born Australian soldier who served in World War II. He was convicted of war crimes for his involvement in the massacre of Australian prisoners of war. Leonski was born in 1915 in Poland and immigrated to Australia in 1939. He enlisted in the Australian Army in 1942 and served in the 2/2nd Independent Company. Leonski was court-martialed and convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging in 1945. Despite his notorious past, Leonski's life has been the subject of some historical interest and debate.