Jerome or Jerry was one of three sons born to Thomas Joseph Leek and Mary Margaret Carmody.They immigrated to the USA from Ireland.Unfortunately one of the boys died in early infancy followed by both parents. Jerry and his brother ,Gerald,were sent to an orphanage to live.When Jerry got older, he enlisted in the US ARMY which became his career. He served in the Pacific during WWll and ended up as a prisoner of the Japanese for 1000 days in the Philippines. He documented his memoirs in a book called "Corregidor G.I."He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Oak Leaf cluster,the Silver Star,among others.Meanwhile his brother,Gerald died on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Jerry was also a veteran of the Korean War.He died of complications from liver failure attributable to his POW days. He was 6'3",210 lbs. and went down to 90 lbs. as a POW. A true hero in the real sense of the word.He always thought of Petaluma,California, as home. He is survived by his wife,Elizabeth, and his children,Mary and Patrick. We will always miss you,Daddy! Our Hero!
Jerome or Jerry was one of three sons born to Thomas Joseph Leek and Mary Margaret Carmody.They immigrated to the USA from Ireland.Unfortunately one of the boys died in early infancy followed by both parents. Jerry and his brother ,Gerald,were sent to an orphanage to live.When Jerry got older, he enlisted in the US ARMY which became his career. He served in the Pacific during WWll and ended up as a prisoner of the Japanese for 1000 days in the Philippines. He documented his memoirs in a book called "Corregidor G.I."He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Oak Leaf cluster,the Silver Star,among others.Meanwhile his brother,Gerald died on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Jerry was also a veteran of the Korean War.He died of complications from liver failure attributable to his POW days. He was 6'3",210 lbs. and went down to 90 lbs. as a POW. A true hero in the real sense of the word.He always thought of Petaluma,California, as home. He is survived by his wife,Elizabeth, and his children,Mary and Patrick. We will always miss you,Daddy! Our Hero!
