Gen. Colin Powell

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) is the author of his best-selling autobiography, My American Journey, which traces his life from his birth to immigrant Jamaican parents in Harlem, to his role in advising this country's three most recent chief executives, Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton.

General Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held myriad command and staff positions. His last assignment, from October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1993, was the twelfth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During this time he oversaw 28 crises to include Operation Desert Storm in the victorious 1991 Persian Gulf War.

General Powell was born in New York City on April 5, 1937, and was raised in the South Bronx. His parents, Luther and Maud Powell, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. General Powell was educated in the New York City public schools, graduating from Morris High School and the City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a bachelor's degree in geology. He also participated in ROTC at CCNY and received a commission as an Army second lieutenant upon graduation in June 1958. His further academic achievements include a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University.

General Powell is the recipient of numerous U.S. military awards and decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster),, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Soldier's Medal, bronze Star medal, and the Purple Hear. The governments of Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Greece, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela have also decorated him.

General Powell's civilian awards include two President Medals of Freedom, the President's Citizens Medal, the congressional gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal. He is also the recipient of an honorary knighthood Knight Commander of the Bath) bestowed my H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.

General Powell is married to the former Alma Vivian Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama. The Powell family includes son Michael; daughter, Linda and Annemarie; daughter-in-law Jane; and grandsons Jeffrey and Bryan.