AP source: Retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf dies

[pwaldo]

http://news.yahoo.com/ap-source-reti...-politics.html

Retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who topped an illustrious military career by commanding the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991 but kept a low public profile in controversies over the second Gulf War against Iraq, died Thursday. He was 78.

Schwarzkopf died in Tampa, Fla., where he had lived in retirement, according to a U.S. official, who was not authorized to release the information publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

A much-decorated combat soldier in Vietnam, Schwarzkopf was known popularly as "Stormin' Norman" for a notoriously explosive temper.

He served in his last military assignment in Tampa as commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command, the headquarters responsible for U.S. military and security concerns in nearly 20 countries from the eastern Mediterranean and Africa to Pakistan.

Schwarzkopf became "CINC-Centcom" in 1988 and when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait three years later to punish it for allegedly stealing Iraqi oil reserves, he commanded Operation Desert Storm, the coalition of some 30 countries organized by President George H.W. Bush that succeeded in driving the Iraqis out.

"Gen. Norm Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomized the 'duty, service, country' creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises," Bush said in a statement. "More than that, he was a good and decent man — and a dear friend."

At the peak of his postwar national celebrity, Schwarzkopf — a self-proclaimed political independent — rejected suggestions that he run for office, and remained far more private than other generals, although he did serve briefly as a military commentator for NBC.

[angel0430]

And there are a lot of media vans outside the gates of my base in Tampa at the moment. He used to be the CENTCOM Commander.

[mrveggieman]

I actually like the guy. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. RIP General and all of my best goes out to his friends and fam.

[mess0312]

I actually like the guy. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. RIP General and all of my best goes out to his friends and fam.

Agreed he was a good man.....doesn't look great for Bush sr. either. Say what you want about him, but he has been great ever since leaving office!

[notes2us]

RIP General. Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

[pghin08]

Agreed he was a good man.....doesn't look great for Bush sr. either. Say what you want about him, but he has been great ever since leaving office!

Schwarzkopf was definitely a good guy. I actually think Bush Sr. was a good President, and I hope he's feeling better soon.