Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Jr. (1920-2000)

Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.

Few men in the history of the Navy have had as much of a positive impact on the service as Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. Well-loved and respected, Zumwalt is remembered as a trailblazer and a champion of the men and women who served our country. Sadly, like many members of the Navy who served between World War II and Vietnam, Admiral Zumwalt developed mesothelioma from his exposure to asbestos aboard US Navy ships.Baron & Budd is honored to have represented Adm. Zumwalt’s family in their case against the asbestos companies responsible for his death.

Admiral Zumwalt was the youngest Chief of Naval Operations in U.S. history when he took the helm of the U.S. Navy in 1970. He is widely credited for transforming the Navy during his four years as its leader into an institution that provided equal opportunity for all, including women, racial minorities and the common sailor. His famous directives, nicknamed "Z-grams," effected wide-ranging reforms of outmoded policies and procedures, tackled the issue of drug abuse, and created mentoring programs for Navy wives.

Prior to becoming CNO, Admiral Zumwalt served as the Commander of US Naval Forces Vietnam (COMNAVFORV) from 1968 to 1970. At that time, he ordered the spraying of Agent Orange in the Mekong Delta to protect Navy boats from ambush. Before ordering the use of agent orange, he had consulted its manufacturers about potential hazards to those exposed, and was assured by them it was safe. His oldest son commanded one of the boats patrolling the river.

Unfortunately, Agent Orange proved fatal to many U.S. military personnel, including Admiral Zumwalt’s son, Lt. Elmo Zumwalt III, who died of leukemia in 1988 at the age of 42. Driven by his son’s cancer and death, the Admiral became a tireless advocate for the health and safety of servicemen and women. Robert O. Muller, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, remarked that no one has done more to face the consequences of Agent Orange and provide benefits to sick veterans than Admiral Zumwalt. In 1997, just two years before he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, Zumwalt urged the United States to sign a treaty banning chemical weapons. In his testimony before Congress, Zumwalt said: "Every man and woman who puts on a U.S. military uniform faces possible injury or death in the national interest. They don’t complain; risk is part of their job description. But it is also part of the job description of every U.S. senator to see that this risk not be increased unnecessarily."

Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.

In July 1999, Zumwalt placed first in his age division in a race to raise funds for a cancer research foundation he supported. But, he experienced shortness of breath just after the race, and went to the doctor to have it checked out. The diagnosis? Mesothelioma. In October of the same year Zumwalt’s left lung was removed, and by the end of 1999, the athletic, vibrant man of just a few months prior was bedridden and unable to speak. He passed away on January 2, 2000.

Admiral Zumwalt will long be remembered for his commitment to creating positive change in the Armed Forces to improve the lives and safety of the brave men and women who fight for our country.