He served as chief judge from 1978 until March 31 , 1979 , when the districts of Illinois were reorganized .
He was reassigned by operation of law to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois .
He served as chief judge from 1978 until March 31 , 1979 , when the districts of Illinois were reorganized and he was reassigned by operation of law to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois .