Leo D. Hermle was an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of San Diego College of Law as well as a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served in both World War I and World War II. His records include biographical information, memorabilia, professional records pertaining to his community involvement and his work in the College of Law, as well as historical records about the Fifth Marine Division and their participation in Iwo Jima in 1945. Hermle was Brigadier General of the Fifth Marine Division during the Iwo Jima invasion.

Leo David Hermle was born on June 30, 1890 in Hastings, Nebraska to mother, Theodocia, and father, William. He had three sisters, Theo, Zoe, and Nell, and one brother, William. When Hermle was young, the family moved to Oakland, California to open a leather goods business. Hermle graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in 1915, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1917. On August 15, 1917, he reported for active duty with the United States Marine Corps at the Mare Island Naval Base. Shortly thereafter, he married Venepha Apoline Plass in San Francisco, California.

The majority of this collection is open for research. One file contains documents restricted due to FERPA regulations.