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Schwarzkopf, Architect of Operation Desert Storm, Dies at 78

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Retired Army General Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf — nicknamed “Stormin’ Norman” — died December 27 in Tampa, Florida at the age of 78, due to complications from pneumonia. Schwarzkopf became well-known to Americans in 1991 as commander of U.S. Central Command and commander of coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm.

“Our nation has lost a Soldier and Statesman with the passing of General Norman Schwarzkopf,” wrote Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno in a joint statement. “Our prayers are with his family as we honor the memories of a man dedicated to family, his country and the many Soldiers he led in war and peace.”

The Army’s senior leadership went on to say that Schwarzkopf’s legacy will be the Soldiers he left behind.

“His life story touches on much of the fabric of our nation’s story, ensuring his memory will remain with us for generations,” McHugh and Odierno wrote. “Our nation owes a great debt of gratitude to General Schwarzkopf and our soldiers will hold a special place in their hearts for this great leader. While much will be written in coming days of his many accomplishments, his most lasting and important legacies are the tremendous soldiers he trained and led.”

Schwarzkopf graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1956, twice served as an instructor at the school and went on to serve two one-year tours in Vietnam, first in 1965, and again in 1969.

From November 1988 to August 1991, Schwarzkopf served as commander in chief, United States Central Command, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. In that role he also served as commander of coalition forces in 1991 for both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

As commander of USCENTCOM, Schwarzkopf has already developed a plan against an Iraqi aggression in the Persian Gulf. It was that plan that helped the U.S.-led coalition defeat Iraqi forces just 210 days after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm lasted only 42 days, starting with the initial bombing campaigns on Jan. 17, 1991. The ground portion of the conflict lasted just 100 hours, beginning with initial U.S. entry into Kuwait on Feb. 24, and ending Feb. 28 with a cease-fire, an end to the war, and the liberation of Kuwait.

Key to the success of the ground war to liberate Kuwait was Schwarzkopf’s “left hook” strategy — a flanking maneuver where instead of attacking Iraqi forces in Kuwait by crossing directly into that country from Saudi Arabia, coalition forces instead entered Iraq from Saudi Arabia and then entered Kuwait from Iraq, by moving west across the Iraq-Kuwait border.

During his career, Schwarzkopf earned, among other awards, three Distinguished Service Medals, three Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

President Barack Obama saluted Schwarzkopf’s service in a statement saying: .

“With the passing of General Norman Schwarzkopf, we’ve lost an American original. From his decorated service in Vietnam to the historic liberation of Kuwait and his leadership of United States Central Command, Gen. Schwarzkopf stood tall for the country and Army he loved. Our prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family, who tonight can know that his legacy will endure in a nation that is more secure because of his patriotic service.”

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta also honored the general by saying:

“The men and women of the Department of Defense join me in mourning the loss of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, whose 35 years of service in uniform left an indelible imprint on the United States military and on the country. The son of a decorated Army officer, General Schwarzkopf followed his father’s legacy of service by enrolling in West Point in the 1950s. His bravery during two tours in Vietnam earned him three silver stars, and set him on the path to lead our troops into battle in Grenada, and then to take charge of the overall allied effort in the first Gulf War as Commander of United States Central Command,” Panetta continued.

“Gen. Schwarzkopf’s skilled leadership of that campaign liberated the Kuwaiti people and produced a decisive victory for the allied coalition. In the aftermath of that war, Gen. Schwarzkopf was justly recognized as a brilliant strategist and inspiring leader. Today, we recall that enduring legacy and remember him as one of the great military giants of the 20th century. My thoughts and prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family in this time of sadness and grief,” Panetta concluded.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said in a statement released that he “was saddened to learn of the passing of General Norman Schwarzkopf, a fellow West Point graduate, former Centcom commander and one of the 20th century’s finest soldiers and leaders. I join the civilian and military leaders of our country, and servicemen and women, past and present, in mourning his death. General Schwarzkopf embodied the warrior spirit, serving with distinction in three conflicts over his 35 years of dedicated service,” Dempsey said.

“The hallmark of his remarkable career was the swift and decisive victory over Saddam Hussein’s forces after they invaded Kuwait.” He concluded by saying, “The thoughts and prayers of the Joint Chiefs and the Joint Force are with Gen. Schwarzkopf’s family and friends.” He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Brenda, and his three children, Cynthia, Jessica and Christian.

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