Battles & Wars › Modern conflicts › Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm)
Norman Schwarzkopf
1934–2012; coalition commander 1990–91· Person· Middle East & Africa
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
American four-star general who commanded the US-led coalition that drove Iraq's army out of Kuwait in 1991.
See it on the Battles & Wars map →What happened
Schwarzkopf graduated from West Point in 1956 and spent part of his boyhood in Iran, where his father advised the police. In Vietnam he served as an adviser and a battalion commander, was wounded and won three Silver Stars. As head of US Central Command from 1988, he led more than 500,000 US troops and forces from about 35 countries in 1991. His televised briefings, with cockpit videos of precision strikes, made 'Stormin' Norman' a household name.
Why it matters
His campaign restored US military confidence after Vietnam and set a model for coalition warfare, running a parallel command with Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid bin Sultan.
Legacy and how we know
Legacy: retired in 1991, wrote the memoir 'It Doesn't Take a Hero' (1992), died in 2012. Known from Army records, his televised briefings, and memoirs by Colin Powell and others.
Still debated
Whether he or Washington chose to stop after 100 hours is debated, as is his ceasefire decision letting Iraq fly helicopters, later used to crush uprisings.
Connections (3)
▸Norman Schwarzkopf commanded coalition forces in Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm)Well documented
The connection
As head of US Central Command, Schwarzkopf moved to Saudi Arabia in August 1990, built up a defense of the kingdom (Desert Shield), then commanded the coalition's air and ground offensive in 1991, sharing command with Saudi Prince Khalid bin Sultan, who led the Arab forces.
When and how
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 1990 – spring 1991; working under Joint Chiefs chairman Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Dick Cheney.
How we know
Official orders, his televised briefings, and memoirs by Schwarzkopf, Powell and Prince Khalid document his role.
Debates and open questions
Relations with Washington were tense at times; historians weigh how much credit belongs to him versus his air and ground commanders and planners.
▸Norman Schwarzkopf directed the 'left hook' of Desert Storm ground war and the Battle of 73 EastingWell documented
The connection
Schwarzkopf's first plan, a direct attack into Kuwait, was criticized in Washington. Given more troops, he directed a wide envelopment: Marines pinned Iraqi forces in Kuwait while two corps swept west through the desert, the 'left hook', to hit the Republican Guard. Staff planners nicknamed the 'Jedi Knights' drafted much of the detail.
When and how
Riyadh, October–November 1990 planning; carried out February 24–28, 1991, with VII Corps sent from Germany under General Frederick Franks.
How we know
Planning documents, Army histories and memoirs by Schwarzkopf, Powell and Franks record how the plan evolved.
Debates and open questions
Schwarzkopf publicly criticized VII Corps for moving too slowly; Franks and others defended their pace. Credit for the hook's design remains argued.
▸Norman Schwarzkopf served two tours in Vietnam WarWell documented
The connection
Schwarzkopf served in Vietnam in 1965–66 as an adviser to South Vietnamese paratroopers and in 1969–70 as a battalion commander, and was wounded and decorated. He blamed the war's failures on unclear goals and political micromanagement, and in 1991 insisted on overwhelming force and clear aims.
When and how
South Vietnam, 1965–66 and 1969–70; on his second tour he commanded the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, Americal Division.
How we know
Army service records, medal citations, and his memoir 'It Doesn't Take a Hero' (1992) describe both tours and their effect on him.
Debates and open questions
Crediting Vietnam's lessons alone is a simplification; the 'Powell Doctrine' of overwhelming force and clear exit goals had several authors.