Democratic Congressman and retired Marine Corps officer John Murtha has died at the age of 77 today due to complications from gallbladder surgery.

Murtha was elected in February 1974 and was the longest serving member of the House from Pennsylvania. He will most likely be most known for his call to withdraw us troops from Iraq as early as 2005.

Murtha was also the first Vietnam combat veteran elected to Congress, cementing his place in history early on.

While his death was due to gallbladder surgery complication, the reports are that he died peacefully in the hospital with his family around him.

RIP Mr. Murtha