Plan B Forum

Retired US General Norman Schwarzkopf has died in Tampa, Florida, US media has reported. He was 78.




Gen Schwarzkopf - known as Stormin' Norman - was commander of coalition forces in the first Gulf War in 1990-91.

The US-led coalition drove Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait.

Former US President George H W Bush described Gen Schwarzkopf as "one of the great military leaders of his generation".

Gen Schwarzkopf spent his retirement in Tampa, where he had served in his last military assignment as commander-in-chief of US Central Command.

The BBC's Ben Wright in Washington said his military success made him one of America's most famous modern generals although some criticised him for negotiating ceasefire terms which allowed Saddam Hussein to remain in power.

President Bush, who was in office during the first Gulf War, said he "mourned the loss" of Gen Schwarzkopf.

Mr Bush, who remains in intensive care at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, issued a statement, saying: "Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation.

"A distinguished member of that Long Gray Line hailing from West Point, General Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomised the 'duty, service, country' creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises.

"More than that, he was a good and decent man - and a dear friend. Barbara and I send our condolences to his wife Brenda and his wonderful family."

He discovered Marmite?

Without Googling, what famous historical event was Norman Schwarzkopf's father directly involved with?

The conception of his son, Norman.

NO GOOGLING

Born in 1896, Col. H. Norman Schwarzkopf graduated from West Point in 1917 and left for Europe to serve in the First World War. After the armistice, he was appointed military police chief of an occupied German town – a position which would ultimately shape his career. In 1921, soon after leaving the service and returning to New Jersey, the Governor of New Jersey appointed Col. Schwarzkopf to organize and lead the New Jersey State Police.

Col. Schwarzkopf was tough. Of the first 116 recruits, he admitted only eighty-one. By March of 1932, he had shaped the New Jersey State Police into a sizable and effective law enforcement agency. Upon learning of the Lindbergh kidnapping, Col. Schwarzkopf established a command center at the Hopewell estate. Initially, he found his investigation impeded by the Lindberghs' desire to negotiate with the kidnappers for the return of their child. Once the child’s body was found, Col. Schwarzkopf took complete control of the investigation. At the request of the Governor, he reopened the investigation after Hauptmann was convicted.

As a result of the political fall-out which arose in the wake of the Lindbergh affair, Col. Schwarzkopf was replaced as superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. In the late 1930’s, he narrated “Gang Busters” – a popular radio show about true crime. Col. Schwarzkopf returned to military service in 1940, ultimately achieving the rank of Brigadier General, and later helped to organize and train the Iranian police force. He is the father of the Gulf War hero, “Stormin Norman,” who shares his name. Col. Schwarzkopf died in 1958.

dales wrote:I'm afraid many everywhere would disagree with rubato.