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Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the selection of the USS John P. Murtha as the name of the 10th San Antonio class Amphibious Transport Dock ship. Mabus made the announcement at John P. Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County airport in Johnstown, Pa. The USS John P. Murtha honors the late U.S. representative and Marine who dedicated his life to serving his country. Murtha served a distinguished 37 years in the Marine Corps and received the Bronze Star with Combat “V,” two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his service in the Vietnam War, retiring as a colonel in 1990. In his public life, Murtha served the people of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District from 1974 until his death in 2010. In his position as the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, he oversaw funding issues for the Department of Defense, including the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and the intelligence community. "Both in uniform and in the halls of Congress, ...

“Congressman Murtha's death is a great loss for our country and our Commonwealth. “He was a decorated Marine who served his country during the Korean War and volunteered for combat in Vietnam. He never forgot about our veterans, our troops or their families. “He was a strong fighter for Johnstown, Cambria County and all of the 12th District. “On a personal note, he was a good friend to me and my family for years. I am grateful for the support he gave to Governor Casey and to me in many campaigns over the last 25 years. “Terese and I will keep Joyce and their family in our thoughts and prayers.” ~~ US Senator Bob Casey

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Murtha family at this very difficult time. His service to our nation in Congress reflected an unyielding commitment to his constituents, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our nation. However, he holds my greatest respect for the courage he showed in serving as a United States Marine and subsequently becoming the first Vietnam combat veteran elected to Congress. In doing so, he gave a voice to millions of men and women who fought in an unpopular war and were not afforded the respect and care they earned and deserved. It was a privilege to work with him on a number of issues, and I am especially appreciative of the help he gave me as a mentor, whether it was on an approach within the halls of Congress, specific legislative items, or coming to my District to assist at key events. We should all be grateful for his commitment to public service for his District, Pennsylvania and this nation.” ~~ Congressman Joe Sestak

Harrisburg – Noting the passing today of U.S. Rep. John “Jack” Murtha, Governor Edward G. Rendell today said all Pennsylvanians should be sad at the loss of this “uber-congressman.” “Pennsylvania has lost one of its greatest citizens,” Governor Rendell said. “Congressman Murtha impacted the entire state, not just his congressional district, in ways that almost no individual has. He did so much for so many of us throughout the commonwealth. “He was also the best friend and supporter of our military and the men and women who risk their lives for our country. He worked tirelessly to ensure that our military had the resources it needed to do its job effectively and that our service men and women had every piece of equipment necessary to protect them. He had the courage and integrity to make sure the military was on the right track and he was not afraid to raise questions. “He will be sorely missed by every citizen of the commonwealth,” the Governor said. “Midge and I extend our deepest sy...

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Murtha. America has lost a true patriot who served his country faithfully first in uniform as a decorated combat Marine, and then as an elected representative. I've known Jack and worked with him for more than two decades, starting back in the Reagan administration when I was at CIA. I will always remember and be grateful for Congressman Murtha's personal efforts on behalf of the Afghan resistance fighting the Soviets - efforts that helped bring about the end of the Cold War. In our dealings over the years, Jack and I did not always agree, but I always respected his candor, and knew that he cared deeply about the men and women of America's military and intelligence community. My condolences to Joyce and the rest of the Murtha family. ~~ Secretary of Defense Robert Gates

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. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack’s tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family. ~~ President Barack Obama From The White House, Office of the Press Secretary

“John Murtha may have represented Western Pennsylvania, but he was the voice of hard-working Democrats across the Commonwealth. Representative Murtha's service to his country and the strength of his convictions made him a powerful force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill. His career took him from Parris Island to Vietnam, from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C. He was a leader until the end, fighting for American values and middle class ideals. He stood up for veterans and stood firm in his beliefs, not caring as much about political expediency as what he thought to be in the best interest of his constituents and his country. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Murtha and extend my deepest condolences to his family. ~~ State Senate Minority Leader Robert Mellow

“I am deeply saddened to lose my dear friend and colleague Jack Murtha. He was a public servant in every sense of the word and his passing is a great loss to all of Pennsylvania. Joan and my thoughts are with his wife, Joyce, and their children.” ~~ US Senator Arlen Specter

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jack's wife and family. This was a man who learned the lessons of service to country first as an Eagle Scout and then in service as a U.S. Marine. He continued that tradition as the longest serving U.S. Representative from the State of Pennsylvania. Sadly, I believe he approached that mark this week. He will be mourned and his expertise will be missed in the Commonwealth." ~~ Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson

Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania has died at the age of 77, according to his office. Murtha, a Democrat, had represented Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 1974. The district stretches southwest from Johnstown. A former Marine Corps officer, Murtha was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.