Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, coalition forces leader during Persian Gulf War, dies

Fox News ^ | December 27, 2012

[Wisconsinlady]

WASHINGTON – Truth is, retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf didn't care much for his popular "Stormin' Norman" nickname.

The seemingly no-nonsense Desert Storm commander's reputed temper with aides and subordinates supposedly earned him that rough-and-ready moniker. But others around the general, who died Thursday in Tampa, Fla., at age 78 from complications from pneumonia, knew him as a friendly, talkative and even jovial figure who preferred the somewhat milder sobriquet given by his troops: "The Bear."

That one perhaps suited him better later in his life, when he supported various national causes and children's charities while eschewing the spotlight and resisting efforts to draft him to run for political office.

He lived out a quiet retirement in Tampa, where he'd served his last military assignment and where an elementary school bearing his name is testament to his standing in the community.

Schwarzkopf capped an illustrious military career by commanding the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991 -- but he'd managed to keep a low profile in the public debate over the second Gulf War against Iraq, saying at one point that he doubted victory would be as easy as the White House and the Pentagon predicted.

Schwarzkopf was named commander in chief of U.S. Central Command at Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base in 1988, overseeing the headquarters for U.S. military and security concerns in nearly two dozen countries stretching across the Middle East to Afghanistan and the rest of central Asia, plus Pakistan.

[excerpt]

[NEWwoman]

Neil Armstrong ... now a great General fading away. 2012 has been a year of great loses.
My condolences for General Schwarzkopf’s family. And thank you for his service to our country and your sacrifices as well.

[upchuck]

That pic was taken during Desert Storm.

Note he’s wearing two watches. He set one to Iraq time, the other to Wash DC time. Clever.

[rdl6989]

He is up there sharing War Stories w/ Patton, Halsey, Nimitz and ALL of the other Great Generals/Admirals.

Amen.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Wisconsinlady.

[arderkrag]

Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, andthe red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest andthe tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow.
Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning,
Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?

[Moonlighter]

What a loss. Hadn’t heard much on him of late. Wonder if he’d been ill.

[BerryDingle]

RIP General

Salute

[Theodore R.]

Until the death today, I wonder if Obama had ever even heard of General Schwartzkopf. I suppose he had recognition of the name.

[Theodore R.]

Did you lose respect for Admiral Stockdale too when in the 1992 V.P. “debate” he emerged as a strong proponent of abortion?

[DesertRhino]

A good man and the last of America’s real generals. He was the real deal, not a Petraeus, McChrystol type that would be just as happy working at general electric or some university.
And Stormin’ Norman ran America’s last war with things like battleships bombarding the enemy with 16 inch, F-4s flying SEAD, OV-10s instead of drones, artillery prep before attacks, B-52s carpet bombing with iron bombs three times a day, for weeks at a time,,, Daisy cutters being dropped “just because”. And oh yeah, the last war with Bob Hope.

After Norman left, the pussies took over. Fiddlers Green now, rest in peace sir.

[NautiNurse]

Tampa local news tributes are describing declining health over the past two years. He is in a better place. RIP.

[EODGUY]

“Sadly, only queers are replacing real men and leaders like this now.”

I am convinced that issues like the one you noted shortened the life of a dedicated patriot and General Officer.

My conviction stems from a comment made to me by a treasured friend and retired Brig. General. He told me that he can no longer in good conscience, write letters of recommendation for individuals applying to one of our military academies. He too is a patriot and as brave a man as I’ve ever known.

EODGUY

[Redcitizen]

1991- Desert Storm. I was a private there. He was the General in Charge. RIP sir. Your leadership is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Carry_Okie]

Did you lose respect for Admiral Stockdale too when in the 1992 V.P. “debate” he emerged as a strong proponent of abortion?

Don't remember.

[Mears]

RIP sir.

[stevio]

Whoa, this was a surprise. God bless you General and thank you for your service to our country.

[matthew fuller]

God bless you for your service and devotion to your country, General Schwarzkopf. I thank you for what you have done.

[left that other site]

Rest in peace, Faithful Warrior.

I remember the TV briefings after Desert Storm...I LOVED this Man.