Primary Loss Means End of Era for World War II Veterans in Congress

Combat veterans of World War II have served in every Congress for the last 70 years, shaping foreign policy and a vision of the United States as the world’s benevolent leader, willing to use its economic and military might as a global force for freedom. That era is ending.

Rep Ralph M. Hall (R-TX) lost his primary bid after more than three decades in office, making him and Rep John D. Dingell (D-MI), who is giving up a seat he has held since the Eisenhower administration, the last two veterans of the war to serve in the Capitol. The next Congress will have none.