Omar Nelson Bradley, one of the most decorated generals of World War II, passed away on April 8th, 1981, at the age of 88. Born in Randolph County, Missouri, General Bradley earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in political science from the prestigious West Point Academy. In 1943, he was promoted to the rank of General, making him the first ever officer to hold the rank of five-star general in the United States Armed Forces. Throughout World War II, General Bradley fought and led several different campaigns, including the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a veteran of World War I, and afterwards, he served as Army Chief of Staff, the highest ranking member of the United States Army. In 1948, General Bradley was promoted to the rank of General of the Army, the highest military rank achievable in the United States and only held by five other people in U.S. history. General Bradley also served as the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a post he held from 1949-1953. In 1950, General Bradley retired as one of the most decorated officers in American military history. He was awarded numerous honors, including five Distinguished Service Medals, a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star and numerous other awards and medals. He was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1948. General Omar Bradley was not only one of the most renowned military minds in United States history, but also one of its greatest heroes. His legacy as a statesman, leader, and patriot will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and of those whose lives he touched.