Representative Robert Likens Condon

Robert Likens Condon (November 10, 1912 – June 3, 1976) was a Democratic U.S. Representative from California who served one term in the United States Congress from 1953 to 1955. His congressional service occurred during a significant period in American history, as he participated in the legislative process and represented the interests of his California constituents in the House of Representatives.

Condon was born in Berkeley, California, on November 10, 1912, and attended the public schools there. He went on to the University of California at Berkeley, from which he graduated in 1934. He continued his studies at the law school of the same university, earning his law degree in 1938. During his time in law school he distinguished himself academically, serving as editor in chief of the California Law Review in 1938. That same year he was admitted to the California bar. In addition to his legal training, he pursued studies in chemistry and physiology, reflecting a broad intellectual range that would inform his later public service.

At the outset of his professional career, Condon worked in the field of labor and administrative law. From 1938 to 1942 he served as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board, gaining experience in federal regulatory and labor relations matters. In 1942 he joined the Office of Price Administration, where he first served as chief enforcement attorney for northern California and later as a regional investigator for five Western States. In these roles he was involved in enforcing wartime price controls and economic regulations during World War II, work that placed him at the intersection of federal policy and everyday economic life on the home front.

Condon entered active military service during World War II, enlisting in the United States Army as a private in December 1942. He served overseas in the European Theater with Company G, 310th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, seeing combat in France, Belgium, and Germany. Over the course of his service he rose to the rank of staff sergeant and was discharged in February 1946. His wartime record was marked by distinction; he was decorated with two battle stars and awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, underscoring his personal courage and commitment during the conflict.

Following his discharge from the Army, Condon returned to California and resumed his legal career. In 1946 he established a private law practice in Martinez, California. His involvement in local affairs and his professional standing soon led him into elective office. He was elected to the California State Assembly, where he served from 1948 to 1952. In the Assembly he gained legislative experience and developed a reputation as a Democratic lawmaker, which laid the groundwork for his subsequent campaign for national office.

Condon was elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-third Congress and served as a U.S. Representative from California from January 3, 1953, to January 3, 1955. During this single term in the House of Representatives, he contributed to the legislative process at the federal level and participated in the democratic governance of the nation, representing the interests of his district and his state. His tenure coincided with the early years of the Cold War and the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a period marked by significant domestic and international challenges. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1954 to the Eighty-fourth Congress, bringing his congressional service to a close after one term.

After leaving Congress, Condon returned to private life and resumed the practice of law in Martinez, California. He continued his legal work there for the remainder of his career, remaining active in his profession and in the civic life of his community. Robert Likens Condon died in Walnut Creek, California, on June 3, 1976, at the age of 63. In accordance with his final arrangements, he was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea three miles beyond the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.