Norman Schwarzkopf
Norman Schwarzkopf
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Full Name and Common Aliases
General Norman H. Schwarzkopf Jr., commonly known as "Stormin' Norman", was born on December 22, 1934, in Trenton, New Jersey.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: December 22, 1934
Died: December 27, 2012 (age 78)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American General and Military Officer
Early Life and Background
Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. was the son of Norman H. Schwarzkopf Sr., a German-American officer who served in the United States Army. His mother, Elsa Mittleman Schwarzkopf, was an American of Russian Jewish descent. Schwarzkopf's early life was marked by his father's military service, which took the family to various locations around the world.
Schwarzkopf Jr. attended The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey and later enrolled at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. He also holds a Master of Science degree from the US Army War College.
Major Accomplishments
Schwarzkopf had an illustrious military career spanning over three decades. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Serving as the Commander-in-Chief of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991.
Playing a key role in planning and executing the Gulf War, which liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
Holding various command positions throughout his career, including serving as commander of the US 24th Infantry Division and the US Fifth Corps.Notable Works or Actions
Schwarzkopf's military service was marked by several notable works and actions. Some of these include:
Authoring "It Doesn't Take a Hero: The Autobiography", which recounts his life experiences, both personal and professional.
* Advocating for increased military preparedness and modernization during his tenure as CENTCOM commander.
Impact and Legacy
Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.'s impact on the world of international relations and military strategy cannot be overstated. His leadership and vision played a crucial role in shaping global events, particularly during the Gulf War.
Schwarzkopf's legacy extends beyond his military accomplishments as well. He was known for his humility, integrity, and dedication to public service. These qualities earned him widespread respect from both his peers and the general public.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.'s quotes and opinions continue to be sought after due to their insight into international relations, military strategy, and leadership. His experiences as a seasoned military officer provide valuable lessons for policymakers, strategists, and individuals interested in global affairs.
His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, integrity, and public service. As one of the most influential military leaders of his time, Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.'s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Norman Schwarzkopf
Norman Schwarzkopf's insights on:
With a chemical alarm, you're going to build one that is oversensitive because you would rather the alarm go off and give you a false alarm than to err on the other side.
Particularly when you're dealing with very high ranking people, you know, you have to get their attention, they are used to, by their rank, of having their own way and doing their own thing and when it's necessary to all work together on something, sometimes you have to hit the mule between the eyes with a two by four to get its attention.
What people don't understand is this is something that we only have in America. There is no other country in the world where the ordinary citizen can go out and enjoy hunting and fishing. There's no other nation in the world where that happens. And it's very much a part of our heritage.
The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.
It is God’s job to forgive Osama Bin Laden. It is our job to arrange a face to face meeting.
If we invade Iraq and the regime is very close to falling, I’m very, very concerned that the Iraqis will, in fact, use weapons of mass destruction.
But I would defy anyone to go back over the years and tell me anyone whose career I’ve ruined, anyone whom I’ve driven out of the service, anyone I’ve fired from a job.
What is postwar Iraq going to look like, with the Kurds and the Sunnis and the Shiites? That’s a huge question, to my mind.
