Congressman John P. Murtha 1932 - 2010 Pennsylvania Congressman John P. (Jack) Murtha died on 8 February 2010 of complications from surgery.  He was 77.   Congressman Murtha was a tremendous supporter of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations.  As the Member of Congress from the 12th District of Pennsylvania and the chairman of the powerful Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Murtha went the extra mile to support Guard projects not just in his district but across Pennsylvania and around America.   In paying tribute to Congressman Murtha in his Budget Address on 9 February 2010, Governor Ed Rendell said: We should take note of yesterday’s passing of one of our greatest Pennsylvanians, Congressman John Murtha. Jack did so much for so many of us throughout the Commonwealth. He was the greatest supporter of the military in the U.S. Congress. He was extremely proud of the Pennsylvania National Guard and of all Pennsylvania’s service men and women.   The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) honored Congressman Murtha by award of the Harry S. Truman Award, its most prestigious award for public service.  Murtha was a member of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Hall of Fame and the recipient of the Pennsylvania Distinguished Service and  Meritorious Service Medals.   Whenever members of the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations came to Washington for their annual Congressional visit in March, we could always count on Congressman Murtha to add his distinctive presence and unparalleled clout to the event.  He was a true leader who went to bat for the Guard on literally hundreds occasions.   Mr.  Murtha not only supported the military services, he also compiled a distinguished record of  service as a Marine.  He was the first Vietnam combat veteran elected to Congress.  After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1952, he rose through the ranks to become a drill instructor at Parris Island, S.C., and later served in the 2nd Marine Division. Murtha moved back to Johnstown and remained with the Marine Reserves until he volunteered to go to Vietnam. He served as an intelligence officer there from 1966 to 1967 and received a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. After serving on active duty, he continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve until his retirement as a Colonel in 1990.    All of Pennsylvania mourns the passing of Congressman Jack Murtha.  A patriot, a leader, a great Congressman and a true friend of the Pennsylvania National Guard.