Richard Ichord

Richard Ichord was an American Democratic politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri for two decades. He is most prominently remembered for his leadership of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) during a period of significant transition for that controversial body. A conservative Southern Democrat, his career was defined by staunch anti-communism and advocacy for the defense and aerospace industries.

Early life and education

Richard Howard Ichord was born in Licking, Missouri, and served in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree. He was admitted to the state bar and established a legal practice, which served as a foundation for his entry into public service and Missouri politics.

Political career

First elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1960, Ichord represented Missouri's 8th congressional district for ten consecutive terms. In Congress, he aligned with the Conservative coalition and was a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he vigorously supported military installations and contractors within his district and state. His legislative focus often centered on national security and the interests of the Army post at Fort Leonard Wood and the McDonnell Douglas corporation.

Committee on Un-American Activities

In 1969, Ichord was appointed chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), a committee historically associated with the investigations of the McCarthy era. Under his leadership, the committee was renamed the House Committee on Internal Security in an attempt to refocus its mandate on monitoring groups deemed subversive, such as the Students for a Democratic Society and the Black Panther Party. His tenure oversaw the committee's final years before it was abolished by the House in 1975, a move he strongly opposed.

Later career and retirement

Following the dissolution of his committee, Ichord continued to serve on the Armed Services Committee and maintained his conservative voting record. He chose not to seek re-election in 1980 and retired from Congress at the end of his term. After leaving Washington, D.C., he returned to legal practice and remained involved in advisory roles concerning defense policy and veterans' affairs.

Personal life and death

Richard Ichord was married to Marjorie Warden, and the couple had three children. In his later years, he divided his time between Missouri and Texas. He died of heart failure on December 25, 1992, in Houston, Texas, and was interred in Licking, Missouri. His papers are held by the University of Missouri archives.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri Category:1926 births Category:1992 deaths