Rep. John Murtha, RIP

Only 77.

A former Marine, Mr. Murtha, his office noted, was the first Vietnam War combat Veteran elected to Congress. Throughout his years, Mr. Murtha paid particular attention to defense spending and to the Pentagon and the military.

When he called for bringing the troops home from Iraq in 2005, after having voted for the war, his proposal stunned many in Congress and added a powerful voice to the growing forces demanding immediate drawdowns and or deadlines.

Representative Chris Van Hollen, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, recalled Mr. Murtha’s devotion to ensuring that the military and its soldiers had enough resources. But Mr. Van Hollen, also recalled Mr. Murtha’s gradual shift on the war: “In 2005, Congressman Murtha inspired a new generation by taking up the fight to end the Iraq War.”

His voice opposing the war in Iraq was a major turning point in the history of support for the war, it energized opponents of the war, and gave cover to liberal opponents of the war in Congress. It was clear at the time that he wasn't speaking just for himself, but also for many in The Pentagon -- as well as the barracks. He never saw a defense appropriation that benefited his district that he didn't like, but he was also tireless in demanding the best for soldiers in uniform.