The Spy with Leprosy 🕵️‍♀️

A Courageous Choice

Josefina “Joey” Guerrero, born in Manila in 1917, was diagnosed with leprosy in her early 20s. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, she decided to use her condition to aid the resistance, volunteering as a spy and courier for the underground movement.

A Daring Spy

Guerrero’s leprosy allowed her to pass through Japanese checkpoints undetected, as soldiers feared getting too close to her. She carried vital information, maps, and supplies between resistance groups, using her illness to avoid searches.

Critical Missions

In 1944, Guerrero successfully delivered a map of Japanese fortifications in Manila to American forces, which played a crucial role in the city’s liberation. She also helped locate minefields, risking her life to ensure safe passage for advancing troops.

Recognition and Asylum

After the war, Guerrero’s contributions were recognized by the U.S. Army, which awarded her the Medal of Freedom in 1948. She later moved to the United States, where she sought medical treatment and asylum, having played a key role in the fight against the Japanese occupation.

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