RIP: General Stormin’ Norman Schwarzkopf

RIP, General Schwarzkopf

The 78-year retired General died of complications from pneumonia, according to his sister.

When I served during the Persian Gulf War, I knew a bunch of damned fine Soldiers; men and women I’d give my life for, as they would for mine.

But there were none that I respected more than our theater commander, General Norman Schwarzkopf, who has gone to grace the halls of Valhalla.

Stormin’ Norman was a real patriot and my hero; a true leader I was proud to serve under.

From ABC News:

H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the retired general credited with leading U.S.-allied forces to a victory in the first Gulf War, has died at age 78, a U.S. official confirmed to ABC News.

He died today in Tampa, Fla., where he lived in retirement, a U.S. official told the Associated Press.

Schwarzkopf, called “Stormin’ Norman” because of his reportedly explosive temper, actually led Republican administrations to two military victories: a small one in Grenada in the 1980s and a big one as de facto commander of allied forces in the Gulf War in 1991.

“‘Stormin’ Norman’ led the coalition forces to victory, ejecting the Iraqi Army from Kuwait and restoring the rightful government,” read a statement by former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Gulf War. “His leadership not only inspired his troops, but also inspired the nation.”

This is very likely true, too:

Schwarzkopf at Safwan might be the last American dictation of terms to a defeated foe, at least until the Chinese try something dumb.

— Joshua Treviño (@jstrevino) December 28, 2012