General Norman Schwarzkopf

General Norman Schwarzkopf
Name	General Norman Schwarzkopf
Caption	Official portrait, c. 1991
Birth date	22 August 1934
Death date	27 December 2012
Birth place	Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
Death place	Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States
Serviceyears	1956–1991
Rank	General
Commands	United States Central Command, United States Army Forces Command, 24th Infantry Division, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division
Battles	Vietnam War, Invasion of Grenada, Gulf War
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart
Laterwork	Author, military analyst

General Norman Schwarzkopf was a highly decorated United States Army officer who achieved global prominence as the commander of U.S. and coalition forces during the Gulf War. His leadership of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 led to the swift liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, cementing his reputation as a skilled strategist and a charismatic public figure. Following his retirement, he remained an influential voice on military affairs until his death in 2012.

Early life and education

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, he was the son of Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., the founding superintendent of the New Jersey State Police who was involved in the Lindbergh kidnapping investigation. His early years were spent in the United States and Iran, where his father served as a military advisor. He attended the Valley Forge Military Academy and College before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Graduating in 1956, he also earned a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California.

Military career

Schwarzkopf's extensive career included two tours during the Vietnam War, first as an advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and later as a battalion commander in the Americal Division. His service in Southeast Asia earned him three Silver Star medals for valor and two Purple Heart awards for wounds received in combat. He later held key staff positions, including in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans at the Pentagon. He commanded the 1st Brigade of the 9th Infantry Division and served as deputy commander of the U.S. intervention in Grenada in 1983.

Gulf War command

Appointed commander of United States Central Command in 1988, Schwarzkopf's planning was pivotal following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. He oversaw the massive Operation Desert Shield buildup in Saudi Arabia and subsequently orchestrated the offensive Operation Desert Storm. His strategy, which included a decisive left hook maneuver by VII Corps and XVIII Airborne Corps, led to a rapid, overwhelming victory over the Iraqi Army with minimal coalition casualties. His frequent, direct press briefings made him a familiar and trusted figure to the American public.

Post-military life and death

Retiring from active duty in 1991, Schwarzkopf declined opportunities for political office. He authored a bestselling autobiography, It Doesn't Take a Hero, and served as a military analyst for NBC News. He was also active with various charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In his later years, he battled health issues and died from complications of pneumonia in Tampa, Florida. He was interred at the United States Military Academy Cemetery at West Point.

Awards and decorations

His numerous U.S. military awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal. He was also the recipient of several foreign honors, such as the Kuwait Liberation Medal from the Government of Kuwait and being appointed an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Legacy and honors

Schwarzkopf is widely remembered as one of the most prominent American military leaders of the late 20th century. His legacy is honored by namesake institutions including the USNS General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and the Schwarzkopf Elementary School at Fort Benning. His leadership style and the success of the Gulf War are frequently studied at institutions like the United States Army War College. While later assessments of the war's long-term geopolitical effects are complex, his operational triumph remains a landmark in modern U.S. military history.

Category:United States Army generals Category:Gulf War commanders Category:1934 births Category:2012 deaths