Politics & Government

Gen. Schwarzkopf Dead at 78

Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf had retired to Cheval after a final military assignment leading U.S. Central Command.

Retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, 78, passed away today in Tampa, according to media reports.

Schwarzkopf was best known to the American people for his leadership in removing Saddam Hussein and his forces from Kuwait in 1991. Schwarzkopf had successfully led an international coalition of U.S. allies to drive out Iraqi troops.

"Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation," former President George H.W. Bush said in a written statement, according to ABC News. Schwarzkopf led what came to be known as Operation Desert Storm under President Bush.

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Most recently, Schwarzkopf had served as commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Central Command oversees U.S. military and security forces in nearly 20 nations.

According to the Huffington Post, Schwarzkopf was "a much-decorated combat soldier in Vietnam (and) was known popularly as 'Stormin' Norman' for a notoriously explosive temper."

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Schwarzkopf's honors included the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Commendation Medal and Legion of Merit.

After retiring, Schwarzkopf moved into the Cheval neighborhood in Lutz. An elementary school in Calusa Trace was named in his honor.

He leaves behind his wife, Brenda, and three children.

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