John Wahman, assigned to the U.S. Embassy in The Hague since 2023, set out to trace the journey of his great-uncle, Clement C. Leone, a decorated World War II hero with ties to the Netherlands. Leone, throughout his life, recounted stories of his time in Europe during the war, but many specifics about his experiences in the Netherlands remained unknown until Wahman's investigation. Alongside Embassy colleagues, Wahman pieced together Leone's journey as a 19-year-old radio engineer in 1944, ultimately connecting with descendants of the Dutch resistance who aided Leone and other American servicemen.
During a mission on February 24, 1944, Leone's B24 Liberator bomber faced heavy German resistance after crossing the Dutch-German border. The plane crashed in the hamlet of Baalder, leaving five crew members dead and Leone as one of four survivors. He parachuted to safety near Collendoorn, where he met Ton Bons from the Dutch resistance. Bons and other local resistance members organized Leone's escape, despite being pursued by Nazi collaborators like Van Papen.
Acts of resistance had severe consequences for locals such as Jan Hendrik Pullen and others, who were arrested soon after aiding Leone. Pullen later received posthumous recognition from the U.S. Embassy for his assistance. In 2025, Wahman's visit to the Pullen farm, where remnants of Leone's escape were still remembered, underscored the longstanding connections forged during that time.
Leone's escape took him through various Dutch locations, with assistance from Bons and other resistance members who sheltered servicemen in danger. After hiding in multiple locations, Leone and fellow American airman Odell Hooper were eventually captured by the Nazis. Leone spent time in a POW camp before enduring a harrowing journey during one of the region's harshest winters, ultimately being liberated in May 1945.
Leone's story is part of broader efforts to commemorate World War II sacrifices, especially as the Netherlands marks 80 years since Liberation. His story, along with those of the brave Dutch citizens who assisted him, sheds light on acts of courage and resistance that played a crucial role in shaping history.
The narrative of Clem Leone, who lived until 98, remains a testament to resilience and the impact of alliances during war. John Wahman, through his research and family connections, helped bring these historical Dutch chapters to the public's attention as part of ongoing remembrance efforts.