Charles Wilson, a former United States Congress representative from Texas, has died at the age of 76.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/021010dntexcharliewilson.21d2d77.html

Wilson is a former lieutenant in the United States Navy who graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1956. He served the 2nd congressional district in Texas for 12 terms from 1973 through 1997.

Among his best known accomplishments while in office was his fervent support of Operation Cyclone. It was a Central Intelligence Agency operation that funded the Mujahideen during their conflict with the former Soviet Union during the 1980's.

Eventually, Wilson's efforts led to the making of the 2007 film Charlie Wilson's War, which was heavily based upon a non-fiction book of the same name. The movie starred Tom Hanks in the role of Wilson, and also featured Julie Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman.