Pennsylvania Representative John Murtha (D) died in an Arlington, Virginia hospital Monday after suffering complications due to gallbladder surgery.

77 year old Murtha had a 36-year long career in Congress and was a highly decorated former Marine in the Vietnam War. Murtha is survived by his wife Joyce and their three children.

The Former drill instructor was awarded The Bronze star and two Purple Hearts due to his service in Vietnam. He was an avid supporter of the military, but Murtha was also a staunch critic of the war in Iraq. Despite his support of President Bush’s 2002 invasion of Iraq, Murtha withdrew his support of the war in 2005.

Democratic Governor Edward Rendell has just 10 days to set the date for a special election to fill the vacant House seat. Under Pennsylvania law the vote must be held within 60 days of the announcement. The special election could be scheduled to coincide with the state’s Primary election which is scheduled to be held on May 18th , though no decisions have been made as of yet.

Murtha spokesman Matthew Mazonkey stated that there were no details yet on when a memorial service might be held for the Congressman.