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L. Mendel Rivers | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 1st district | |
| In office January 3, 1941 – December 28, 1970 | |
| Preceded by | Clara G. McMillan |
| Succeeded by | Mendel Jackson Davis |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from Charleston County | |
| In office January 9, 1934 – June 6, 1936 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 28, 1905 Gumville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | December 28, 1970 (aged 65) Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Margaret Middleton Rivers (1938–1970) |
| Children | 3, including L. Mendel Rivers, Jr. |
Lucius Mendel Rivers (September 28, 1905 – December 28, 1970) was a Democratic U.S. Representative from South Carolina, representing the Charleston-based 1st congressional district for nearly 30 years. As chair of the House Armed Services Committee, Rivers developed a reputation for his unwavering support of American involvement in the Vietnam War. His reputation suffered as the American public at large turned against further escalation in the Vietnam War. In 1968, Rivers condemned American servicemen who attempted to stop the My Lai massacre, labeling them as "traitors".[1] Rivers served in the House until his death in 1970.
- ^ "Helicopter Pilot Who Stopped My Lai Massacre Was Called A Traitor In America & Almost Court-Martialed". warhistoryonline. 2015-11-12. Retrieved 2023-05-09.