Paul N. "Pete" McCloskey Jr

Colonel

McCloskey's distinguished military service spanned multiple branches from 1945 to 1974, including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Reserves. His heroic combat service in Korea earned him the Navy Cross, Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. Though he later volunteered for Vietnam, his views on that conflict eventually shifted to opposition. He documented his Korean War experiences in his 1992 book, "The Taking of Hill 610." His legal career began as deputy district attorney in Alameda County. In 1956, he established a practice that would become part of the prominent Silicon Valley firm Wilson, Sonsini. His commitment to environmental causes led him to form Butler & McCloskey with Lewis Butler, focusing exclusively on environmental law.

McCloskey was a fighter in every arena - from his Marine service to his legal career championing environmental causes. He served eight terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1967-1983), representing the San Francisco Peninsula and Silicon Valley. His Marine and Congressional experience shaped his approach to law, leading him to advocate for individuals rather than corporate interests.

His environmental legacy is particularly noteworthy: he co-chaired the first Earth Day (1970) with Sen. Gaylord Nelson and co-authored the landmark 1973 Endangered Species Act. He also served as congressional delegate to the International Whaling Conference and advised the Law of the Sea Treaty Delegation. In 1972, he challenged Richard Nixon for the presidency, running on an anti-Vietnam War platform.

After leaving Congress in 1983, McCloskey returned to private practice, continuing to take on challenging cases. He passed away on May 8 at 96.