Norman Schwarzkopf, US commander in Gulf War, dies at 78

The highly decorated US general, who led allied forces to drive Saddam Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait, has died.

10:35 30 December 2012

Retired General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who was the public face of the US-led international coalition that invaded Iraq and drove Saddam Hussein’s troops out of Kuwait, has died due to complications from pneumonia.

He was 78. The retired general passed away on Thursday in Tampa, Florida where he lived in retirement. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has confirmed the death in a statement.

Norman is the most recognizable military commander since Douglas MacArthur and Dwight Eisenhower as he was the public face of the allied forces who ousted Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait. A much-decorated combat soldier in Vietnam, he was popularly known for his notoriously explosive temper.

Norman’s popularity rose and once said immeasurable after the war. However, instead of grabbing the job as a Chief of Staff that was offered to him, he retired from active duty six months after the war.

He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George H.W. Bush and was given an honorary of knighthood by Queen Elizabeth. He was also given a standing ovation by Congress.