Remembering Congressman John P. Murtha, 1932-2010

John Murtha passes away days after becoming Pennsylvania's longest serving member of Congress.

John Murtha's presence on Capitol Hill was a large one. Only days ago, on February 5, he became the longest serving member of Congress for the state of Pennsylvania, having been elected to represent its 12th Congressional district in 1974. A Democrat, Murtha was not known for strict adherence to party political orthodoxy; a decorated Vietnam veteran (in fact, Murtha was the first veteran of the Vietnam conflict to have successfully run for Congress), he became an outspoken critic of military action in Iraq. His military background served him and the institution well through his chairmanship of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, a leadership role he held from 1989 to 1995 and again since 2007.

Murtha passed away on February 8 from complications following gall bladder surgery at the age of 77. He is remembered on both sides of the aisle as a tenacious and hard-working advocate for his district and for military veterans whose post-service needs were a top priority throughout his career.

The Washington Post reports statements of tribute and condolence that have been issued in reaction to Murtha's passing.

President Barack Obama:

"Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years ... Jack's tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:

"Today, with the passing of Jack Murtha, America lost a great patriot. He served our country on the battlefield winning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He served his country in his community winning the hearts of his constituents and served in the Congress winning the respect of his colleagues ... San Francisco lost a good friend in Jack Murtha. His leadership as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee was essential in turning the Presidio from post to park."

Congressman Jerry Lewis:

"Words cannot describe the loss my wife Arlene and I feel for my dear friend, Jack Murtha. Jack and I served together for over 30 years, and I have never seen a more valiant defender of the men and women of our armed forces, nor a more steadfast advocate for our country's unequaled national defense."

House Minority Leader John Boehner:

"Today, our nation has lost a decorated veteran and the House of Representatives has lost one of its own. I was saddened to hear of John Murtha’s passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and loved ones."

Born in West Virginia, Murtha moved to Pennsylvania as a child. He delivered newspapers, worked at a gas station, and became an Eagle Scout before starting college and joining the Marine Corps in 1952. In 1955, Murtha left the service (though remained in the Reserves) and married his wife Joyce with whom he raised three children. In 1966, Murtha reinstated his active military service earned a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam.

Photo courtesy of United States Congress via Wikimedia Commons