Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., known as 'Stormin' Norman,' was a prominent United States Army general who commanded coalition forces in the 1991 Gulf War as commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) from 1988 to 1991. Born on August 22, 1934, in Trenton, New Jersey, he was the son of H. Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., a West Point graduate and former superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. Schwarzkopf Jr. followed in his father's footsteps by attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California in 1964. His early military career included service as an airborne infantry officer and advisor in Vietnam, where he was wounded twice and awarded three Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Legion of Merit. Schwarzkopf rose through the ranks, commanding the 172nd Infantry Brigade in Europe and serving in various staff positions, including at the Pentagon. His strategic leadership during Operation Desert Storm resulted in a swift and decisive victory, earning him widespread acclaim as a war hero. After retiring from the Army in 1991 as a four-star general, Schwarzkopf became a sought-after public speaker, media commentator, and author. He published his autobiography, 'It Doesn't Take a Hero,' in 1992, which became a bestseller. Throughout his post-military life, he resided in Tampa, Florida, and engaged in philanthropy, particularly supporting children's causes and veterans' issues. Schwarzkopf passed away on December 27, 2012, from complications of pneumonia, leaving a legacy as one of America's most celebrated military leaders.