Colin Powell

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Colin Powell

Colin Luther Powell (April 5, 1937 October 18, 2021) was an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He served as the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005, the first African-American to hold this position.

Early Life and Education

Colin Powell was born in Harlem, New York City, to Jamaican immigrant parents. He was raised in the South Bronx and attended the City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. While at CCNY, Powell joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which set the course for his military career.

Military Career

Powell was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduation in 1958. He served two tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Powell rose through the ranks, holding various command and staff positions, including serving as a battalion commander in Korea and as a brigade commander in the 101st Airborne Division.

National Security Advisor

In 1987, Powell was appointed as the National Security Advisor by President Ronald Reagan, serving until 1989. During his tenure, he played a key role in the administration's foreign policy decisions, including the end of the Cold War.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Powell became the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. He served under President George H. W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. Powell was a prominent figure during the Gulf War, where he advocated for a decisive military strategy known as the "Powell Doctrine."

Secretary of State

In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Powell as Secretary of State. During his tenure, Powell was involved in the administration's response to the September 11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror. He is perhaps best known for his presentation to the United Nations in 2003, where he argued for military action against Iraq based on the presence of weapons of mass destruction, a claim that was later discredited.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the State Department in 2005, Powell remained active in public life, engaging in various speaking engagements and supporting educational initiatives. He endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. Powell's legacy is marked by his trailblazing role as an African-American leader in both military and civilian government positions.

Related Pages

• United States Secretary of State
• Gulf War
• Powell Doctrine
• George W. Bush
• United Nations