Charles E. Potter | |
|---|---|
 Potter while serving,c. 1950s | |
| United States Senator fromMichigan | |
| In office November 5, 1952 – January 3, 1959 | |
| Preceded by | Blair Moody |
| Succeeded by | Philip Hart |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromMichigan's11th district | |
| In office August 26, 1947 – November 4, 1952 | |
| Preceded by | Fred Bradley |
| Succeeded by | Victor A. Knox |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Charles Edward Potter (1916-10-30)October 30, 1916 Lapeer, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | November 23, 1979(1979-11-23) (aged 63) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | Eastern Michigan University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1946 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit | US 28th Infantry Division |
| Awards |  Silver Star (2) Purple Heart Croix de Guerre |
Charles Edward Potter (October 30, 1916 – November 23, 1979) was aU.S. Representative and aU.S. Senator from thestate ofMichigan.
Potter was born inLapeer, Michigan, and attended the public schools there. He received anAB degree fromEastern Michigan University,Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1938. He worked as an administrator of Bureau of Social Aid inCheboygan County, Michigan, 1938–1942. In 1942, he enlisted as a private in theUnited States Army with combat service in theEuropean Theater of Operations with theUS 28th Infantry Division. He was seriously wounded atColmar,Alsace,France, in 1945, resulting in the loss of both legs. He was discharged from the service as a major in 1946.
He was awarded theSilver Star twice, the FrenchCroix de Guerre, and the U.S.Purple Heart. After the war, he was engaged as a vocational rehabilitation representative for theRetraining and Reemployment Administration with theUnited States Labor Department until his resignation in 1947.
Potter was elected on August 26, 1947, as aRepublican to theUnited States House of Representatives fromMichigan's 11th congressional district for the80th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death ofFred Bradley. He was reelected to the two succeeding Congresses and served from August 26, 1947, until his resignation November 4, 1952.
He was elected to theUnited States Senate in 1952 to fill the vacancy caused by the death ofArthur H. Vandenberg, replacingBlair Moody, who had been appointed to the post. He served the remainder of Vandenberg's term, from November 5, 1952, to January 3, 1953. He was also elected in 1952 for the term commencing January 3, 1953, defeating Moody in both elections. He served until January 3, 1959, having been defeated for reelection to a second term in 1958 byPhilip Hart.
Potter voted in favor of theCivil Rights Act of 1957.[1]
During his tenure, he served as the only member of the Subcommittee on Korean War Atrocities, investigating war crimes committed during theKorean War.[2]
After leaving Congress, Potter engaged as an industrial consultant and international securities executive. In his 1965 memoir,Days of Shame, he outlined the battle between moderate Republicans and Democrats to contend with Sen.Joseph R. McCarthy. Potter was a close confidante of PresidentDwight D. Eisenhower on this and other issues.
Potter was aMethodist and a member ofAmerican Legion,Amvets,Disabled American Veterans,Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagles,Elks,Kiwanis, and theAmerican Battle Monuments Commission. He resided inQueenstown, Maryland, until his death atWalter Reed Army Hospital,Washington, D.C. at the age of sixty-three.
Charles E. Potter is interred in Section 30 ofArlington National Cemetery,Fort Myer, Virginia.
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Republican nominee forU.S. Senator fromMichigan (Class 1) 1952,1958 | Succeeded by |
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by | United States Representative for the 11th Congressional District of Michigan August 26, 1947 – November 5, 1952 | Succeeded by |
| U.S. Senate | ||
| Preceded by | U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Michigan November 5, 1952 – January 3, 1959 | Succeeded by |
| Class 1 |  | |
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| Class 2 | ||
| International | |
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| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
