Representative Melvin Robert Laird

Melvin Robert Laird served as a Representative from Wisconsin in the United States Congress from 1953 to 1971. A member of the Republican Party, Melvin Robert Laird contributed to the legislative process during 9 terms in office.

Melvin Robert Laird’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Melvin Robert Laird participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Melvin Robert Laird Jr. (September 1, 1922 – November 16, 2016) was an American politician, writer and statesman. A member of the Republican Party, he served a member of the United States House of Representatives from Wisconsin from 1953 to 1969 representing Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district before serving as United States Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1973 under President Richard Nixon. Laird was instrumental in forming the administration’s policy of withdrawing U.S. soldiers from the Vietnam War; he coined the expression “Vietnamization,” referring to the process of transferring more responsibility for combat to the South Vietnamese forces. First elected in 1952, Laird was the last living former U.S. representative elected to the 83rd Congress at the time of his death and the last living representative to have served during the presidency of Harry Truman.