Michel, Robert

Michel, Robert (Henry)

(1923– ) U.S. representative; born in Peoria, Ill. He was a combat infantryman in Europe during World War II (1943–46), receiving two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. After graduating from college, he worked for Representative Harold Velde (1949–56). Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (Rep., Ill.; 1957), he served as minority whip (1975–79) and minority leader (1981–95).