Robert H. Michel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Henry "Bob" Michel (born March 2, 1923 in Peoria, Illinois) is a former member of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois.
Michel grew up in Peoria. When the Second World War broke out, he joined the United States Army and served with the 39th Infantry regiment as an infantryman in England, France, Belgium, and Germany from February 10, 1943, to January 26, 1946. He was wounded by machine gun fire and awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and four battle stars.
After the war, he attended Bradley University in Peoria, and graduated in 1948. From 1949 to 1956, he worked as an administrative assistant to U.S. Representative Harold Velde.
He was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1956 and served until his retirement on January 3, 1995. Michel served as Minority Whip from 94th Congress though the 96th Congress. Later, he served as Minority Leader from the 97th Congress through 103rd Congresses. A moderate, Michel was criticized by Newt Gingrich and other young, aggressive conservative congressmen for being too easy-going and not fighting hard enough for Republican goals in the House during its long period of Democratic control. Michel retired in 1995.
On January 18, 1989, outgoing president Ronald Reagan conferred upon him the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second highest civilian award given, making him the 7th recipient of the honor.
Michel stirred a minor controversy in the early 1990s when he fondly recalled minstrel shows in which he had participated in blackface as a young man, expressing his regret that they had fallen out of fashion.
While in Congress, Michel was the usual pitcher in the annual Democrats vs. Republicans baseball game.
[edit] Namesakes and honors
The Bob Michel Bridge, carrying Route 40 across the Illinois River in Peoria, is named after Robert H. Michel, as is the Robert H. Michel Student Center at Bradley University.
In the Capitol, the second-floor suite of offices occupied by the Speaker were designated the Robert H. Michel Rooms by the House in 1995.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Harold H. Velde |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 18th congressional district 1957–1995 |
Succeeded by Ray LaHood |
| Preceded by Leslie C. Arends Illinois |
House Minority Whip House Republican Whip 1975–1981 |
Succeeded by Trent Lott Mississippi |
| Preceded by John J. Rhodes Arizona |
House Republican Leader 1981–1995 |
Succeeded by Dick Armey Texas |
| House Minority Leader 1981–1995 |
Succeeded by Dick Gephardt Missouri |
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