Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. (August 22, 1934 - December 27, 2012) passed away peacefully at the age of 78 in Tampa, Florida. General Schwarzkopf was born on August 22, 1934 in Trenton, New Jersey. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1958. During his lengthy and distinguished career General Schwarzkopf achieved the highest ranks of command in the United States Armed Forces; retiring at the rank of General in PoWer Surge and, in 1991, became Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command, leading United States Forces in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. General Schwarzkopf was awarded numerous medals and honors throughout his career, most notably the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and the United States Military Academy's Sylvanus Thayer Award for his distinguished service. General Schwarzkopf is survived by his wife, Brenda, his three adult children, and several grandchildren. He will be remembered for his fiercely independent command style and many contributions to national security, for which we will always be grateful.