Bill Hendon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Martin Hendon
Bill Hendon circa 1985
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 11th district
In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1983
Preceded by	V. Lamar Gudger
Succeeded by	James McClure Clarke
In office January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1987
Preceded by	James McClure Clarke
Succeeded by	James McClure Clarke
Personal details
Born	(1944-11-09)November 9, 1944 Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.
Died	June 20, 2018(2018-06-20) (aged 73) Forest City, North Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	University of Tennessee, Knoxville

William Martin Hendon (born November 9, 1944 – died June 20, 2018) was an American politician, author, and activist. He was a Republican U.S. Congressman for North Carolina's 11th District. He served two terms in the U.S. Congress. He was also known for his work on the POW/MIA issue, helping families of soldiers missing from the Vietnam War.

His Political Journey

In 1980, Bill Hendon won an election to become a U.S. Congressman. He defeated the person who held the seat before him, V. Lamar Gudger, who was a Democrat. Hendon was the first Republican to represent this area since 1929.

For several years, Hendon had a close political rivalry with another politician named Jamie Clarke. They ran against each other in many elections.

In 1982, Clarke won against Hendon by a small number of votes. But in 1984, Hendon won back his seat, defeating Clarke. This victory was likely helped by Ronald Reagan winning the presidency by a lot of votes that same year.

Their third election against each other was in 1986. Hendon lost to Clarke by a very small difference. Even though people wanted him to run again in 1988, Hendon decided not to.

His Work After Politics

Hendon inspecting a Vietnam War-era prison, 30 miles (48 km) south of Hanoi, 1993.

After his time in Congress, Bill Hendon became an author. In 2007, he wrote a book called An Enormous Crime with Elizabeth Stewart. This book became a New York Times bestseller.

The book argued that American soldiers were left behind in Indochina after the Vietnam War. It suggested that the U.S. government knew about these missing soldiers but did not do enough to bring them home. Many people found the book's ideas very strong and important.

Bill Hendon continued to be an active voice on the POW/MIA issue until he passed away. He worked to make sure that missing soldiers were not forgotten.

He died on June 20, 2018, at the age of 73, after being ill for some time.