Editing Richardson Dilworth (section)

== Early Life and Military Service ==

Richardson Dilworth was born in Pittsburgh in 1898 into a prominent family with roots in Philadelphia's colonial history. His grandfather had been a wealthy financier; his father was less successful financially but instilled in young Richardson a sense of public obligation. Dilworth attended St. Paul's School in New Hampshire and Yale University before volunteering for military service in World War I. He served as a Marine officer in France, seeing combat that left lasting impressions. After the war, he completed law school at Yale and moved to Philadelphia to practice law, beginning the career that would eventually lead to politics.<ref name="weigley">{{cite book |last=Weigley |first=Russell F. |title=Philadelphia: A 300-Year History |year=1982 |publisher=W.W. Norton |location=New York}}</ref>

The Depression radicalized Dilworth, as it did many Americans. He became a New Deal Democrat, unusual for someone of his class and background. His legal work included representing labor unions and defending civil liberties cases, building connections with constituencies that would later support his political career. During World War II, Dilworth again volunteered for military service despite being in his forties; he served in the Pacific and was wounded on Okinawa. His military service gave him credentials that helped bridge his patrician background with working-class voters. He returned to Philadelphia after the war ready to pursue politics.<ref name="binzen"/>