Synopsis

Decorated World War II hero, upstanding community leader, devoted family man, Elmer Hitchcock was all these things, and more. This was the man author Steven N. Leek grew up knowing and calling “Grandpa Cookie.” It was only after Elmer’s death in 2006 that Leek unexpectedly uncovered the dark secrets behind his grandfather’s seemingly perfect life and honored military service.

The debut book from Steven Leek is the true story of one man’s cross-country journey to discover his grandfather’s real background, reveal his massive cover-ups and uncover his dual life. Using historic archives, family histories, genealogical research and cryptic evidence that Elmer had hidden in plain sight, Leek follows the nascent clues to expose the real man behind the heroic façade.

“It was my quest to tell the real story of my grandfather, his life, his loves and the incredible tales of his colorful life, military service and massive cover-ups,” says Steven Leek.

With widespread appeal as a military chronicle, a catch-me-if-you-can tale, and a revealing genealogic record, “Elmer’s War” is a vastly entertaining story that is told in minute detail.  The sweeping scenes vary from the dangerous waters of the Philippines during World War II, to the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor, to the archives in San Francisco, to the dark corners of a man’s vivid imagination. This book will make you think twice about family tales!

Elmer’s War, by Steven N. Leek, Classic Day Publishing, $12.95
ISBN  978-1-59849-077-0, 288 pages, softbound, Copyright 2010