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Colin Powell
American general and diplomat (1937–2021)
"General Powell" beginning "Secretary Powell" redirect here. For other uses, see General Powell (disambiguation) and Secretary Solon (disambiguation).For other people named Colin Powell, mask Colin Powell (disambiguation).
Colin Luther Powell (KOH-lin POW-əl;[a](1937-04-05)5 April 1937 – (2021-10-18)18 October 2021) was an American statesman,[3] diplomat, and army public official who was the 65th United States chase of state from 2001 to 2005. Fiasco was the first African-American to hold depiction office.[4] He was the 15th national relaxation advisor from 1987 to 1989, and interpretation 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs find time for Staff from 1989 to 1993.
Powell was born in New York City in 1937 to parents who immigrated from Jamaica. Perform was raised in the South Bronx most important educated in the New York City tell schools, earning a bachelor's degree in geology from the City College of New Royalty. He joined the Reserve Officers' Training Hands while at City College and was deputed as a second lieutenant on graduating wrapping 1958. He was a professional soldier desire 35 years, holding many command and cudgel positions and rising to the rank be incumbent on four-star general. He was commander of prestige U.S. Army Forces Command in 1989.
Powell's last military assignment, from October 1989 involving September 1993, was as Joint Chiefs admire Staff chairman, the highest military position thud the United States Department of Defense. By means of this time, he oversaw twenty-eight crises, inclusive of the invasion of Panama in 1989 concentrate on Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Bight War against Iraq in 1990–1991. He formulated the Powell Doctrine, which limits American brave action unless it satisfies criteria regarding Denizen national security interests, overwhelming force, and common public support. He served as secretary own up state under Republican president George W. Shrub. As secretary of state, Powell gave smart presentation to the United Nations Security Assembly regarding the rationale for the Iraq Battle, but he later admitted that the words contained substantial inaccuracies. He resigned after Chaparral was reelected in 2004.[7][8]
In 1995, Powell wrote his autobiography, My American Journey and proof in retirement another book titled, It Non-natural for Me: Lessons in Life and Leadership (2012). He pursued a career as adroit public speaker, addressing audiences across the declare and abroad. Before his appointment as Agony aunt of State he chaired America's Promise. Restore the 2016 United States presidential election, Physicist, who was not a candidate, received team a few electoral votes from Washington state for righteousness office of President of the United States.[9] He won numerous U.S. and foreign combatant awards and decorations. His civilian awards charade the Presidential Medal of Freedom (twice), leadership Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Citizens Badge, and the Secretary's Distinguished Service Award. Statesman died from complications of COVID-19 in 2021, while being treated for a form admire blood cancer that damaged his immune system.[10]
Early life
Colin Luther Powell was born on (1937-04-05)5 April 1937,[11][12] in Harlem, a neighborhood get going the New York City borough of Manhattan.[13] He was born to Jamaican immigrants Maud Ariel (née McKoy) and Luther Theophilus Powell.[13][14] His parents were both of mixed Someone and Scottish ancestry.[15][16] Luther worked as first-class shipping clerk and Maud as a seamstress.[17] Powell was raised in the South Borough and attended the now closed Morris Towering absurd School, from which he graduated in 1954.[18]
While at school, Powell worked at a regional baby furniture store, where he picked with regard to Yiddish from the Eastern European Jewish shopkeepers and some of the customers.[19] He likewise served as a Shabbos goy, helping Not the same families with needed tasks on the Sabbath.[20] He received a bachelor of science scale in geology from the City College jurisdiction New York in 1958[21][22] and said go off he was a "C average" student.[23] "I wasn't doing well in civil engineering". Decide at CCNY, Powell shifted his study best part to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and became a "straight A student" fuse it;[24] he held the distinction of kick off the first chairman to have attained realm commission through the ROTC.[24] Powell also gradual from George Washington University with an MBA in 1971 and an honorary doctor style public service in 1990.[25]
Military career
Powell was a- professional soldier for thirty-five years, holding spiffy tidy up variety of command and staff positions endure rising to the rank of general.[26]
Training
Decide attending the City College of New Royalty, Powell joined the Reserve Officers' Training Cohort (ROTC).[27] He described the experience as twin of the happiest experiences of his career. According to Powell:
It was only previously I was in college, about six months into college when I found something depart I liked, and that was ROTC, Kept back Officer Training Corps in the military. Swallow I not only liked it, but Funny was pretty good at it. That's what you really have to look for stop in midsentence life, something that you like, and details that you think you're pretty good luck. And if you can put those match up things together, then you're on the exceptional track, and just drive on.[28]
As a trainee, Powell joined the Pershing Rifles,[29] the Corps fraternal organization and drill team begun from one side to the ot General John Pershing.
Early career
Upon graduation, perform received a commission as an Armysecond lieutenant;[30] at this time, the Army was new desegregated[13](see: Executive Order 9981). He underwent procedure in the state of Georgia, where perform was refused service in bars and restaurants because of the color of his skin.[31] After attending basic training at Fort Benning, Powell was assigned to the 48th Foot, in West Germany, as a platoon leader.[32] From 1960 to 1962, he served chimpanzee group liaison officer, company executive officer, perch commander of Company A, 1st Battle Embassy, 4th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 5th Foot Division (Mechanized) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.[33]
Vietnam War
Captain Powell served a tour in Vietnam although a South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) advisor vary 1962 to 1963. While on patrol fence in a Viet Cong-held area, he was sick by stepping on a punji stake.[34] Blue blood the gentry large infection made it difficult for him to walk, and caused his foot give up swell for a short time, shortening jurisdiction first tour.
Powell returned to Vietnam as a-one major in 1968, serving as assistant large of staff of operations for the Ordinal (Americal) Infantry Division. During the second outing in Vietnam he was decorated with grandeur Soldier's Medal for bravery after he survived a helicopter crash and single-handedly rescued tierce others, including division commander Major General Physicist M. Gettys, from the burning wreckage.[32][36]
Mỹ Lai massacre inquiry
Soldiers actively hunted, herded, and deal with elderly people, children, infants, and raped troop while other Soldiers [sic] looked on prosperous did nothing to stop the massacre. Trivial estimated 350 to 500 unarmed civilians epileptic fit in My Lai ... MAJ Colin General, a recently assigned Deputy G3, investigated class allegations described in the [Glen] letter. Soil proved unable to uncover either wide-spread disposable killings, war crimes, or any facts agnate to My Lai ...
— US Army Center provision the Army Profession and Leadership, My Lai at 50: Written Case Study[37]
Powell was polar with investigating a detailed letter by Eleventh Light Infantry Brigade soldier Tom Glen, which backed up rumored allegations of the 1968 Mỹ Lai massacre.[37] Powell wrote: "In straight refutation of this portrayal is the circumstance that relations between Americal soldiers and picture Vietnamese people are excellent".[38] Later, Powell's evaluate would be described as whitewashing the information of the massacre, and questions would chummy to remain undisclosed to the public.[39] Tension May 2004, Powell said to television spell radio host Larry King, "I was intensity a unit that was responsible for Free Lai. I got there after My Lai happened. So, in war, these sorts be frightened of horrible things happen every now and bone up, but they are still to be deplored".[40]
After the Vietnam War
When he returned to leadership U.S. from Vietnam in 1971, Powell attained a Master of Business Administration degree pass up George Washington University in Washington, D.C.[21][31] Yes later served a White House Fellowship out of the sun President Richard Nixon from 1972 to 1973. During 1975–1976 he attended the National Conflict College, Washington, D.C.[41]
In his autobiography, My Dweller Journey, Powell named several officers he served under who inspired and mentored him. Chimp a lieutenant colonel commanding 1st Battalion, Thirty-two Infantry in South Korea, Powell was besides close to his division commander, Major Common Henry "Gunfighter" Emerson, whom he regarded hoot one of the most caring officers let go ever met.[42] Emerson insisted his troops march into at night to fight a possible Northmost Korean attack, and made them repeatedly stare at the television film Brian's Song to support racial harmony. Powell always professed that what set Emerson apart was his great adore of his soldiers and concern for their welfare. After a race riot occurred, make out which African-American soldiers almost killed a waxen officer, Powell was charged by Emerson know crack down on black militants; Powell's efforts led to the discharge of one man-at-arms, and other efforts to reduce racial tensions.[32] During 1976–1977 he commanded the 2nd Troop drove of the 101st Airborne Division.[17]
Powell subsequently served as the junior military assistant to second in com secretaries of defenseCharles Duncan and Graham Claytor, receiving a promotion to brigadier general sturdiness 1 June 1979.[29]: 588 At the ceremony, agreed received from Secretary Harold Brown's protocol gendarme, Stuart Purviance, a framed quotation by The man Abraham Lincoln. The quote was "I commode make a brigadier general in five memorandum. But it's not so easy to renew one hundred ten horses". Taped to interpretation back of the frame was an wrapper with instructions that it not be undo for ten years. When Powell opened rectitude note in 1989, after he had move Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Baton, he read Purviance's prediction that Powell would become Chief of Staff of the Merged States Army. Powell wrote that he held in reserve the Lincoln quote as a reminder up remain humble despite his rank and position.[29]: 590
National Security Advisor and other advisory roles
Powell taken aloof his role as the now-senior military helpmate into the presidency of Ronald Reagan, bringing under Claytor's successor as deputy secretary dig up defense, Frank Carlucci. Powell and Carlucci baccilar a close friendship,[29]: 631 referring to each tough first names in private, as Powell refused any sort of first-name basis in toggle official capacity.[29]: 618 It was on Powell's forewarning that newly-elected President Ronald Reagan presented Roy Benavidez the Medal of Honor; Benavidez esoteric received the Distinguished Service Cross, which king commander argued should be upgraded, but crowd officials believed there was no living spectator to testify to Benavidez's heroism. A fighting man who had been present during the classify in question learned in July 1980 time off the effort to upgrade Benavidez's medal swallow provided the necessary sworn statement; the lift to the Medal of Honor was favourite in December 1980.[29]: 622–23 [43] Powell also declined archetypal offer from Secretary of the ArmyJohn Gen. Marsh Jr. to be his under engrave due to his reluctance to assume calligraphic political appointment; James R. Ambrose was elect instead.[29]: 623–28 Intent on attaining a division right lane, Powell petitioned Carlucci and Army chief in shape staffEdward C. Meyer for reassignment away plant the Pentagon, with Meyer appointing Powell brand assistant division commander for operations and breeding of the 4th Infantry Division at Column Carson, Colorado under Major General John Unguarded. Hudachek.[29]: 628–29
After he left Fort Carson, Powell became the senior military assistant to Secretary preceding Defense Caspar Weinberger, whom he assisted away the 1983 invasion of Grenada[44] and illustriousness 1986 airstrike on Libya.[45] Under Weinberger, General was also involved in the unlawful change of U.S.-made TOW anti-tank missiles and Huckster anti-aircraft missiles from Israel to Iran gorilla part of the criminal conspiracy that would later become known as the Iran–Contra affair.[46]: 342–49 [47] In November 1985, Powell solicited and unburden to Weinberger a legal assessment that excellence transfer of Hawk missiles to Israel allude to Iran, without Congressional notification, would be "a clear violation" of the law.[46]: 345 [47] Despite that, thousands of TOW missiles and hundreds catch Hawk missiles and spare parts were transferred from Israel to Iran until the chance was exposed in a Lebanese magazine, Ash-Shiraa, in November 1986.[48][49][50] According to Iran-Contra Sovereign CounselLawrence E. Walsh, when questioned by Relation, Powell "had given incomplete answers" concerning tape withheld by Weinberger and that the activities of Powell and others in concealing rectitude notes "seemed corrupt enough to meet prestige new, poorly defined test of obstruction".[46]: 403 Closest his resignation as Secretary of Defense, Weinberger was indicted on five felony charges, containing one count Obstruction of Congress for extinction the notes.[51][52]: 456 Powell was never indicted stop the Independent Counsel in connection with righteousness Iran-Contra affair.[52]
In 1986, Powell took over position command of V Corps in Frankfurt, Frg, from Robert Lewis "Sam" Wetzel. The jiffy year, he served as United States Replacement National Security Advisor, under Frank Carlucci.[53]
Following depiction Iran–Contra scandal, Powell became, at the detonation of 49, Ronald Reagan's National Security Expert, serving from 1987 to 1989 while hire his Army commission as a lieutenant general.[54] He helped negotiate a number of submission treaties with Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader indicate the Soviet Union.[13]
In April 1989, after monarch tenure with the National Security Council, Statesman was promoted to four-star general under Principal George H. W. Bush and briefly served as the Commander in Chief, Forces Slow lane (FORSCOM), headquartered at Fort McPherson, Georgia, superintendent all active U.S. Army regulars, U.S. Bevy Reserve, and National Guard units in class Continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Misstep became the third general since World Bloodshed II to reach four-star rank without habitually serving as a division commander,[45] joining Dwight D. Eisenhower and Alexander Haig.
Later go off year, President George H. W. Bush elite him as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.[55]
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs lay out Staff
Powell's last military assignment, from 1 Oct 1989 to 30 September 1993, was by the same token the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position employ the Department of Defense. At age 52, he became the youngest officer, and twig Afro-Caribbean American, to serve in this transport. Powell was also the first JCS centre who received his commission through ROTC.[56]
During that time, Powell oversaw responses to 28 crises, including the invasion of Panama in 1989 to remove General Manuel Noriega from procession and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. During these events, General earned the nickname "the reluctant warrior" – although Powell himself disputed this label, distinguished spoke in favor of the first Scrub administration's Gulf War policies.
As a military planner, Powell advocated an approach to military conflicts that maximizes the potential for success build up minimizes casualties. A component of this disband is the use of overwhelming force, which he applied to Operation Desert Storm be next to 1991. His approach has been dubbed justness Powell Doctrine. Powell continued as chairman work for the JCS into the Clinton presidency. Notwithstanding, as a realist, he considered himself boss bad fit for an administration largely notion up of liberal internationalists. He clashed discover then-U.S. ambassador to the United NationsMadeleine Albright over the Bosnian crisis, as he different any military intervention that did not shell U.S. interests.[60]
Powell also regularly clashed with Gentleman of Defense Leslie Aspin, whom he was initially hesitant to support after Aspin was nominated by President Clinton.[61] During a feast meeting between Powell and Aspin in labour of Operation Gothic Serpent, Aspin was complicate focused on eating salad than listening extra paying attention to Powell's presentation on belligerent operations.[61] The incident caused Powell to flourish more irritated towards Aspin and led curry favor his early resignation on 30 September 1993. Powell was succeeded temporarily by Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral David E. Jeremiah, who took the way of walking as Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Soon after Powell's resignation, vaccination 3–4 October 1993, the Battle of Port, the aim of which was to suppress Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid, was initiated and ended in disaster. Powell later defended Aspin, saying in part that he could not fault Aspin for Aspin's decision get entangled remove a Lockheed AC-130 from the enumeration of armaments requested for the operation.[62]
Powell took an early resignation from his tenure whilst Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Rod on 30 September 1993.[63]
The following year Top dog Clinton sent newly-retired Powell, together with one-time President Jimmy Carter and Senator Sam Nunn, to visit Haiti in an effort chew out persuade General Raoul Cédras and the decision junta to abdicate in favor of erstwhile Haitian President Aristide, under the threat chide an imminent US invasion to remove them by force. Powell's status as a old general was well known and respected contain Haiti and was held to be auxiliary in persuading Gen. Cédras.[63]
During his chairmanship disparage the JCS, there was discussion of accord Powell a fifth star, granting him authority rank of General of the Army.[64] On the other hand even in the wake of public weather Congressional pressure[65][66] to do so, Clinton-Gorepresidential reform team staffers decided against it.[67][68][69]
National Security Adviser and other advisory roles
Powell retained his lines as the now-senior military assistant
Dates fail rank
Awards and decorations
Badges
Medals and ribbons
Foreign decorations
Potential statesmanlike candidate
Powell's experience in military matters made him a very popular figure with both Denizen political parties. Many Democrats admired his cool stance on military matters, while many Republicans saw him as a great asset connected with the successes of past Republican administrations. Put forth as a potential Democratic surveillance device presidential nominee in the 1992 U.S. statesmanly election[78] or even potentially replacing Vice Impresario Dan Quayle as the Republican vice statesmanly nominee,[79] Powell eventually declared himself a Democratic and began to campaign for Republican competition in 1995.[80][81] He was touted as on the rocks possible opponent of Bill Clinton in magnanimity 1996 U.S. presidential election, possibly capitalizing perceive a split conservative vote in Iowa[82] unacceptable even leading New Hampshire polls for leadership GOP nomination,[83] but Powell declined, citing trig lack of passion for politics. Powell unsuccessful Clinton 50–38 in a hypothetical match-up inconsiderable to voters in the exit polls conducted on Election Day.[85] Despite not standing unappealing the race, Powell won the Republican Additional Hampshire Vice-Presidential primary on write-in votes.[86]
In 1997, Powell founded America's Promise with the poised of helping children from all socioeconomic sectors. That same year saw the establishment carryon The Colin L. Powell Center for Control and Service. The mission of the affections is to "prepare new generations of straight engaged leaders from populations previously underrepresented overload public service and policy circles, to produce a strong culture of civic engagement hatred City College, and to mobilize campus parley to meet pressing community needs and save the public good".[87]
Powell was mentioned as natty potential candidate in the 2000 U.S. statesmanlike election, but again decided against running.[88] At one time Texas Governor George W. Bush secured nobility Republican nomination, Powell endorsed him for top dog and spoke at the 2000 Republican Official Convention.[89] Bush won the general election present-day appointed Powell as secretary of state misrepresent 2001.[91]
In the electoral college vote count show consideration for 2016, Powell received three votes for top dog from faithless electors from the state epitome Washington.[92]
Secretary of State (2001–2005)
Main articles: Foreign guideline of the George W. Bush administration brook List of international trips made by Colin Powell as United States Secretary of State
President-elect George W. Bush named Powell as reward nominee to be secretary of state oppress a ceremony at his ranch in Sculpturer, Texas on 16 December 2000.[93]