Powell, Colin

Powell, Colin (Luther)

(1937– ) soldier; born in New York City. He graduated from the City University of New York and received a second lieutenant's commission in 1958. Decorated for service in Vietnam, Powell subsequently held a series of senior commands and was a presidential assistant for national security affairs (1987–89). The first African-American to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989), he had overall responsibility for the U.S. military effort against Iraq (operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm) in 1990–91.