Colin Powell
Timeline of Colin Powell, a highly respected American military leader and diplomat, serving as the first African American Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. Known for his strategic acumen and calm demeanor, Powell played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during his tenure in government.
1937
Birth of Colin Powell
Colin Powell was born on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Luther and Maud Powell, he was raised in the South Bronx.
1958
Commissioning as an Army Officer
Colin Powell was commissioned as an Army second lieutenant after graduating from the City College of New York, where he studied geology and joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
1962
Military Advisor in South Vietnam
In 1962, Powell was one of the 16,000 military advisors dispatched to South Vietnam by President John F. Kennedy. This marked his first tour of duty during the Vietnam War.
1989
Becoming National Security Advisor
Colin Powell was selected as National Security Advisor by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. He served in the position until the end of Reagan's term in 1989.
1989
Appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Powell was appointed as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President George H. W. Bush on August 1, 1989. He was the first African-American and the youngest person to hold this position.
1991
Gulf War Leadership
During the Gulf War, which began on January 17, 1991, Powell played a crucial role in planning and managing the United States' military campaign as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
2001
Sworn in as Secretary of State
Colin Powell was sworn in as the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American to serve in this role.
2003
UN Speech on Iraqi WMDs
Colin Powell delivered a speech to the United Nations Security Council, asserting that Iraq had hidden weapons of mass destruction; this presentation was a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the Iraq War.
2004
Resignation as Secretary of State
After acknowledging the absence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Powell submitted his resignation as Secretary of State, which became effective on January 26, 2005.
2021
Death of Colin Powell
Colin Powell died from complications of COVID-19 on October 18, 2021, at the age of 84, despite being fully vaccinated, as he was also battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
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