Leo Case, a heroic tank commander during World War II, survived the brutal battle of Iwo Jima and valiantly risked his life to save his crew during conflicts in the South Pacific. Despite his bravery, Case succumbed to multiple cancers at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy of valor and service.
As a recipient of the Navy Cross, the military’s second-highest honor for bravery, Case’s story is one of both commendation and tragedy, underscoring the long-term health risks faced by veterans.
A significant aspect of Case’s health challenges stemmed from his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps training facility in North Carolina. His granddaughter, Jessie Hoerman, has taken it upon herself to prove that her grandfather was affected by the toxic water supply, which has been linked to various severe health problems.
To support her family’s claim, she has meticulously collected a vast archive of records and documents, which she believes can assist numerous other veterans and their families in their battles against water contamination cases.
Hoerman, an attorney based in St. Louis, has dedicated the past two years to gathering evidence from various sources, including eBay, antique shops, and national archives. Her efforts are aimed not only at substantiating her grandfather’s situation but also at helping fellow veterans.
“It’s become very personal,” Hoerman expressed, highlighting the emotional investment in her mission. She intends to share her extensive collection with veterans named in her documents, wishing to return tangible history to those affected.
Honoring Leo Case a Heroic WWII Tank Commander’s Legacy and His Granddaughter’s Fight Against Water Contamination
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune is one of the largest cases of its kind in U.S. history. Between August 1953 and December 1987, nearly one million individuals who lived or worked on the base were potentially exposed to a toxic drinking water supply.
Contaminants included hazardous chemicals like trichloroethylene and benzene, which have been linked to various diseases, including cancer. Case’s struggle with multiple cancers, including bowel and lung cancer, was ultimately a consequence of this exposure.
Hoerman’s research was motivated further by the PACT Act of 2022, which broadened benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including those at Camp Lejeune. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows victims to pursue litigation against the government if they can prove their presence on the base during the contamination period and link their health issues to the exposure.
Unfortunately, the process has been slow, with many families struggling to provide the necessary medical and service records to support their claims.
Despite the challenges, Hoerman has compiled an impressive array of documentation, including muster rolls, phone directories, and over 1,200 yearbooks that trace the service history of many Marines.
Her collection aims to assist in demonstrating where and when service members were stationed, providing crucial evidence for claims against the government. “We’re compiling the footsteps of a group of men,” she noted, emphasizing the collective effort involved.
Throughout her research, Hoerman has uncovered personal stories about her grandfather, who had a long-standing illness that overshadowed her childhood memories of him. She learned about his remarkable military service, notably his heroism during the Guadalcanal campaign, which earned him the Navy Cross.
Beyond his military accolades, Hoerman discovered aspects of his civilian life, including his work as a lawyer for veterans, which further deepened her appreciation for his legacy and the sacrifices made by veterans like him.
