Robert H. Michel | |
---|---|
House Minority Leader | |
In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1995 |
|
Deputy |
Trent Lott Dick Cheney Newt Gingrich |
Preceded by | John Rhodes |
Succeeded by | Dick Gephardt |
House Minority Whip | |
In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1981 |
|
Leader | John Rhodes |
Preceded by | Leslie C. Arends |
Succeeded by | Trent Lott |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 18th district |
|
In office January 3, 1957 – January 3, 1995 |
|
Preceded by | Harold H. Velde |
Succeeded by | Ray LaHood |
Personal details | |
Born |
Robert Henry Michel March 2, 1923 Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
Died | February 17, 2017 Arlington, Virginia, U.S. |
(aged 93)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Corinne Woodruff (1948–2003) |
Children | 4 |
Education | Bradley University (BS) |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch | United States Army |
Years of service | 1943–1946 |
Rank | Private |
Unit | 39th Infantry Regiment |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards |
Bronze Star Medal (2) Purple Heart with battle stars (4) |
Robert Henry "Bob" Michel (pronounced "Michael"; March 2, 1923 – February 17, 2017) was an American Republican Party politician who was a member of the United States House of Representatives for 38 years. He represented central Illinois' 18th congressional district, and was the GOP leader in Congress, serving as Minority Leader for the last 14 years (1981–1995) of a decades-long era of Democratic Party dominance of the House.
Michel also served as Minority Whip for six years (1975–1981). A graduate of Bradley University in Illinois, he was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois.
Michel was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He attended Peoria High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University.
When the U.S. entered the Second World War, Michel 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, while also participating in the Invasion of Normandy in 1944. He was wounded by machine gun fire and awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and four battle stars.