Leo Philip Hirrel

Leo Philip Hirrel, PhD, LTC

1952-2025

Leo Philip Hirrel passed away on September 22, 2025. He was born on December 31, 1952, the second of nine children born to Captain Michael Hirrel and Evelyn Nuissl Hirrel.

Leo was a historian and a logistics expert. He earned his Master’s degree at Cornell and his PhD at the University of Virginia. He was in the Army and Army reserves for 28 years and worked for the Army as a civilian historian for many more. His last two placements were at the Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, VA and Ft. Lee in Petersburg, VA. He worked with the Generals and Admirals in charge and authored several books during this time. His most noteworthy contribution was Supporting the Doughboys: US Army Logistics and Personnel During World War I (2017). At Ft. Lee he also taught the lieutenants’ and captains’ classes in Army logistics and history.

Leo is survived by his wife, Linda Gagen, three brothers, Michael, Timothy, and Marc, four sisters Helene McCabe (John), Terese Davidson, Lottchen, and Christine, eight nieces and nephews, three great-nieces, and a stepson, stepdaughter and three step grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, Michael and Evelyn and his brother, Matthew.

Leo has requested to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA with full military honors. Arrangements are pending in accordance with his wishes.