It Doesn't Take a Hero: The Autobiography of General Norman Schwarzkopf

by Norman Schwarzkopf

He set his star by a simple duty, honor,  country. Only rarely does history grant a single  individual the ability, personal charisma, moral  force, and intelligence to command the respect,  admiration, and affection of an entire nation. But such  a man is General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander  of the Allied Forces in the Gulf War. Now, in this  refreshingly candid and typically outspoken  autobiography, General Schwarzkopf reviews his  remarkable life and the events, the adventures, and  the emotions that molded the character and shaped  the beliefs of this uniquely distinguished  American The photo insert is not included in this edition.

Genres: Biography, Military Fiction, History, Nonfiction, Military History, Autobiography, Leadership

854 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Schwarzkopf grew up in the United States and later in Iran. He was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1956. After a number of initial training programs, Schwarzkopf interrupted a stint as an academy teacher, and served in the Vietnam War first as an adviser to the South Vietnamese Army and later as a battalion commander. Schwarzkopf was highly decorated in Vietnam, being awarded three Silver Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, and the Legion of Merit. Rising through the ranks after the conflict, he later commanded the U.S. 24th Infantry Division and was one of the commanders of the Invasion of Grenada in 1983.

Assuming command of United States Central Command in 1988, Schwarzkopf was called on to respond to the Invasion of Kuwait in 1990 by the forces of Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Initially tasked with defending Saudi Arabia from Iraqi aggression, Schwarzkopf's command eventually grew to an international force of over 750,000 troops. After diplomatic relations broke down, he planned and led Operation Desert Storm—an extended air campaign followed by a highly successful 100-hour ground offensive—which destroyed the Iraqi Army and liberated Kuwait in early 1991. Highly regarded for these exploits, Schwarzkopf became a national hero and was presented with many military honors for what historians termed one of the most successful campaigns in U.S. military history.

Schwarzkopf retired shortly after the end of the war and undertook a number of philanthropic ventures, only occasionally stepping into the political spotlight before his death from complications of pneumonia in late 2012. Leaving a legacy as a hard-driving military commander with a strong temper, Schwarzkopf was nonetheless considered an exceptional leader by biographers and was noted for his abilities as a military diplomat and in dealing with the press.

Reviews

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

The year was 1991,Saddam had invaded Kuwait,the world was very nervous about its oil supply,and Saudi Arabia had turned to the US for help.

CNN had just arrived in Pakistan and what a change it was from the lone channel,state controlled PTV.

And CNN knew it was on to something good,war as entertainment.It had put three of its reporters in Baghdad and they would continue to report from there as bombs rained down from the sky.

It was the first war I had watched live and that too,24/7. And at the centre of the unfolding excitement of Operation Desert Storm was its commander,"Stormin'Norman" Schwarzkopf.

I watched so much of him on TV that he would be hard to forget.So,when I found his book,I had to read it.

As a military biography,it is interesting.It was hard to put down.He fought in Vietnam and while describing his experiences is extremely insistent that it was the "right thing to do."No acknowledgement of the staggering costs of war for the Vietnamese.

Several promotions later,Schwarzkopf was now head of the US Central Command,responsible for the Middle East.It was then that Saddam handed him his place in history by invading Kuwait.

The reader gets a triumphal narration of how brilliantly he commanded Desert Storm with help from the Saudis and the coalition which effectively comprised the whole world.

Any acknowledgement of the staggering cost of war for the Iraqis ? Forget it. He would come home to a hero's welcome and a ticker tape parade.

A little over a decade later,bombs would be falling on Baghdad again.But by then,I had lost my enthusiasm for this sort of entertainment.
I never watched,I was too sickened.And who was the commander on that occasion ? I never checked.

[James c hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book

Outstanding book

I served with General Schwarzkopf in the 24th Infantry division and during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. This book left me with a better understanding of how we fought the war. A must read for all particular the military members. I retired in 1992 after 27 years as a Command Sergeants Major. It was a pleasure to have served under General Schwarzkopf.

[Anaszaidan · Rating 2 out of 5]

الكتاب يتحدث عن قائد قوات التحالف في حرب الخليج 1991، ضد عراق صدام حسين، لتحرير الكويت. يتحدث الكتاب عن دور نورمان شوارتزكوف (أثار البعض بأنه من يهود ألمانيا، علما أن الكتاب لم يتحدث عن ديانته بأي شيء) عن نشأته في ويست بوينت (المدرسة العسكرية للأمريكان، على غرار سانت هريست في بريطانيا) وكيف شارك في حرب الخليج، وكيف تعامل مع الأمير خالد بن سلطان، القائد السعودي للجيش..فقد كان في بعض الأوقات على خلاف معه.

الكتاب في رأيي تمت تشويه ترجمته عمدا والله أعلم. فخالد بن سلطان نفى في كتابه(مقاتل من الصحراء) حوارا ، زعم فيه نورمان في كتابه بأن خالد بن سلطان رفض طباعة تي شيرتات تحمل خريطة السعودية، بحجة أن العدو العراقي قد يستفيد من هذه التي شيرتات في الحرب بمعرفة مواقع المدن!!. أقول بأن القصة تلك لم أجدها في كتاب شوارتزكوف. فهذا يعني أحد أمرين، إما أن خالد بن سلطان قد أخطأ في عزو القصة إلى كتاب شوارتزكوف، وإما أن الترجمة العربية للكتاب قد حذفت القصة (وهو ما أرجحه)..هذا إذا افترضنا صحة نسبة هذا المزعم إلى القائد العسكري الأمريكي شوارتزكوف.

في الكتاب يتحدث الكتاب أيضا عن مواقف للسعودية حول اختلاف العادات والثقافات. فالأمريكان كانوا أكثر لباقة من الفرنسيين. إذ أدى جورج بوش الأب صلاة عيد الشكر في بارجة أمريكية في عرض الخليج العربي، حتى لا يحرج السعوديين في موضوع إقامة مراسم دينية على أراضيها، ولم يسمحوا بتداول المجلات الإباحية لعناصر الجيش الأمريكي. في حين أن الفرنسيين توترت علاقاتهم مع السعوديين، بسبب عدم سماح السعوديين لفرقة فرنسية راقصة مع فتيات بالدخول للأراضي السعودية للترفيه عن الجنود الفرنسيين المشاركين بالحرب. وقد قرأت في كتاب (حرب الخليج دفعتني للاستقالة) بأن السفير أو القادئ العسكري الفرنسي قد تجاهل دعوة للغداء مع الأمير سلطان، بسبب هذالموقف!

شيء آخر أشار إليه محمد حسنين هيكل بالتصريح، ولم يتحدث عنه خالد بن سلطان وشواتزكوف إلا بالتلميح (وفق الترجمة العربية التي لدي). وهي أن شوانزكوف اعترض قبل دخوله إلى الأراضي السعودية على وجود خالد بن سلطان قائدا.. فمن له كلمة الفصل في شأن جيش التحالف إذا اختلفوا؟ جاء الحل كما قال هيكل ( على الطريقة العربية) بأن الأراضي السعودية، الفصل فيها لخالد بن سلطان، وما كان خارج الحدود السعودية فالفصل فيها للأمريكان. وقد جاء تحرير مدينة الخفجي السعودية كقرينة تؤكد صحة ما أشار إليه هيكل، فقد أسند تحرير المدينة إلى قوات الحرس الوطني السعودي، بالتعاون مع الجيش القطري، بقيادة خالد بن سلطان، وقد تحدث نورمان شواتزكوف عن هذا بما يدل على أنه كان بعيدا عن مسرح عمليات معركة التحرير.

هناك معركة (لم يشر إليها في هذا الكتاب)كادت أن تكون فيها الغلبة للعراقيين، داخل الأراضي العراقية، ولم أقرأ عنها سوى في مصدر واحد، ومشكوك في مصداقيته. تسمى بمعركة الأطواق..حيث طوق الأمريكان والعراقيين بعضهم البعض عدة مرات، حتى كادت أن تستلم القوات الأمريكية، إلى أن جاءتهم النجدة من قوات فرنسية وبريطانية

بعيدا عن معركة نورمان، كانت السعودية مسرحا للتفكر بين الإسلاميين. بين من يرى أن السعودية قد فعلت منكرا بالاستعانة بالقوات الأجنبية، ويجب على الداعية الإنكار عليهم، وبين من يفكر في شكل العلاقة بين الراعي والرعية، لأسباب يطول شرحها،و بين فرقة سميت لاحقا بالجامية ظهرت آنذاك مؤيدة تأييدا مطلقا لسياسات الحكومة، لتمهد الطريق أمام جيل من الأذناب، يُلبس النفاق لباسا سلفيا. فتساوى حينها غازي الياور مع الأخ العقيد معمر، مع غيره. فكلهم ولاة أمر تجب طاعتهم!!

كثيرون من الإسلاميين خارج السعودية غضبوا من الشيخ ابن باز لأنه أجاز الاستعانة بالقوات الغربية في حربهم ضد صدام. البعض كان يخاف العدو القريب، كابن باز، والبعض مشغول بالعدو البعيد (الأمريكي) كالشيخ سفر الحوالي، والبعض كان يرى حرمة هذا الفعل أيا كانت الحاجة للغرب، كالشيخ الألباني. وأيا يكن الرأي، فإن الفقيه كما قال ابن تيمية، ليس من يعرف الخير من الشر، بل هو من يعرف خير الخيرين، وشر الشرين. فالمسألة ليست نصا يدرس، بقدر ما هو نظر في حال المستعين والمستعان به.

حرب الخليج كشفت مواقف بعض الإسلاميين وعقلياتهم..وربما كانت تلك المواقف الطلقة الأخيرة بين الحكومة السعودية وبينهم، كما جرى مع جماعة الإخوان المسلمين، الذين استنكروا على السعوديين بشدة، استعانتهم بالغرب، وربما بلطف ولين، استنكروا غزو الكويت..هذا إن لم يؤيدوا الغزو. كما كشفت أيضا عن (نظام عالمي جديد) يتزعمه قطب واحد، هي أمريكا، تأمر فتطاع...إذ لم تستطع روسيا السوفيتية أن تفعل للعراق شيئا يذكر.. وهي (أي أمريكا) التي يكتب في شأنها حاليا،في صحافة الغرب، كالإيكونوميست والإنديبيندنت، بأنها لم تعد تلك القوة العظمى بدليل عدم قدرتهم على حسم ملف الثورة السورية.

حرب الخليج عاصرتها وكان عمري 12 تقريبا..كان الجميع يحمل جهاز مذياع صغير، مدار على إذاعة لندن، أو مونتي كارلو آنذاك..وكانت الحوارات السائدة بين العامة آنذاك عن مدى مفعول مضاد الصواريخ الأرضية باترويت، على منازلنا، فمنا من يقول اهتزت النوافذ شيئا قليلا، ومنهم من يقول اهتز المبنى كله من صوت الصاروخ. ولا ننس الفرز السياسي للجنسيات من المجتمع السعودي آنذاك وماذا فعلت بالعمالة الوافدة..ولكنها ولله الحمد لم تكبر وتتفاقم بسبب سرعة الحسم العسكري.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bio of "Stormin' Norman" Schwarzkopf. I enjoyed this book immensely and came away with great respect for the man. Whether you agree with his politics is almost irrelevant here as he has had such an interesting military career that you want to keep reading about him.

"...I am convinced that had a decision been made to invade all of Iraq and capture Baghdad...the only forces that would have participated in those military actions would have been British and American. Even the French would have withdrawn from the coalition. Had the US and the UK gone on alone to capture Baghdad, under the provisions of the Geneva and Hague conventions we would have been considered occupying powers and therefore would have been responsible for all the costs of maintaining and restoring government, education, and other services for the people of Iraq. From the brief time we did spend occupying Iraqi territory after the war, I am certain that had we taken all of Iraq, we would have been like the dinosaur in the tar pit--we would still be there, and we, not the UN, would be bearing the costs of that occupation." Most prophetic words.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning the history of one of the recent commanders in theater. Especially as it pertains to the Middle East. General Schwarzkopf was very simple in detailing his experience and progression through the army. He did not have, or appear to have, political alliances or military agendas he just had the desire to serve his country and serve his soldiers. He was a soldier's soldier. I marveled at the account of desert shield and the back and forth with Washington I executing that plan and Desert Storm. Very intriguing recent history worth recommendation.

[Jeremiah Lorrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a remarkable story about a remarkable leader.

While this chapter of history has faded from many people’s memories, the story of this commander who won a 100 hour war has many principles of leadership that we can all learn from.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this is pretty much what one would expect it to be, I won't summarize it. I will, however, share thoughts that went through my mind as I read.

This is an extremely readable account of a life well lived. Over and over, I was struck by Schwarzkopf's humility and humanity. For me, the most in'teresting parts of the book were not those that detailed military battles; I was more intrigued by what he had to say about leading others. BECAUSE he honored and respected those he led, they gave their very best. His respect for those whose culture and customs were quite different from his meant that he was able to gain respect from a diverse group of people. We hear a lot these days about diversity, equity, and inclusion, but I'm not convinced that everyone who uses those words thinks very much about what they really mean. we may not agree with every viewpoint Schwarzkopf expresses, but we can all learn a lot from this American hero.

[Ann McReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was, strangely enough, after attending General Schwartkopf's funeral at West Point that I read his autobiography. For me, seeing the streets of Highland Mills and the post itself lined with mourners, and to be seated in the Cadet Chapel behind an entire row of Kuwaiti generals, was in itself an awesome experience. The love and respect shown to a man who lived the code of Honor Duty, Country, has reinforced my belief that the best men and women in our country daily come to her support.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading of Schwarzkopf's long and varied military career. Though a very long book, it never got boring. He actually visited Iran as a child while his father was working there, and was so fascinated with the country and the culture that he vowed to return some day. He barely made it into West Point (it was difficult to secure the necessary recommendations due to his father's position), but thrived while he was there, and went to USC for a post-graduate course, his first time at a co-ed school! From Vietnam to Washington D.C. to Alaska to the Middle East, and many other duty stations, Schwarzkopf rose steadily through the ranks, sometimes taking lateral moves when he was needed somewhere, even if it didn't move him up the career ladder. Along the way, he had the support of a very devoted wife and managed to raise 3 children.

The highly detailed retelling of Operation Desert Storm was, by far, the most interesting part of the book. Somehow, the story of troop buildup, moving massive amount of personnel and materiel from the U.S. to the Gulf, communications, strategy, daily interface with Colin Powell and sometimes President Bush, and interfacing with the Saudis and Kuwaitis added up to a fascinating story. Of course, it helps that we already know the successful outcome!

Among all the detail of war strategy, political pressures, technical issues and the mundane aspects of military service, Schwarzkopf talks frankly about honor, conscience, the ideal of service above self, and a longing for moral clarity. Ever aware of the responsibility and influence of the U.S. military machine, Schwarzkopf comes across as a humble and dedicated soldier. He retired immediately following the conclusion of Operation Desert Storm, and was revered as a true hero.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schwarzkoph lived his life by simple principles that seem to have been lost in the years since the Persian Gulf War: lead by example, do the right thing, and don't get sidetracked. The book covers his entire life, but of course the Persian Gulf War is the subject of primary interest. His account is his alone, and though he deserves a tremendous amount of credit for making the victory of that conflict happen, one cannot help but notice that from his perspective he alone accomplished most of it and was responsible for keeping things on track. Anyone interested in a more complete account of the war should read other works on the subject such as Crusade by Rick Atkinson. Apart from the 1991 war, Schwarzkoph's time in Vietnam is probably the most interesting part of the book. He pulls no punches about what the war was like and the extreme shortcomings of both the government and military leadership, not to mention troops at every level. Overall, an easy and inspirational read.

[Tim Hewlett-parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read this book. Since the first time there have been many upheavals globally, including financial and corporate mismanagement on a far reaching scale. When you see how General S. managed a coalition comprising many cultures, his diplomacy and civility with world leaders and his concerns for the 'working man' under his command it makes you think about the integrity and leadership instilled in the military and how it could be best utilized across our government and corporate institutions! A great leader, top soldier and wonderful family Man.

[Giuliano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes a bit tedious, but I guess not everything about another person's life is interesting to everyone. Initially, I worried that the book might be going down the whole "duty, honour, country" road a little too much, but his experiences in Vietnam and then later in the Gulf war were a detailed account of the events that were quite interesting to read. There is quite a bit to learn about leadership and integrity from this book, although it clearly shows the (American military) mindset of different times

[Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is among the most compelling, forward-moving autobiographies I’ve read in years. There’s nothing boastful or bloviating in this book. This is the account of a humble man who learned from his military general father that Duty, God, and Country are far more than mere words.

Born just prior to World War II, Schwarzkopf learned fast that peace is fragile and can end almost without notice. He spent his early boyhood in New Jersey, and his military general dad was largely absent from the family. Dad’s absence meant Schwarzkopf’s mother had complete control of the liquor cabinet, and she wasted no time in exhausting the seemingly inexhaustible supply of liquor. The more she drank, the more hate filled and abusive she became toward her son and two daughters. Young Norman took his share of verbal abuse, but because he was measurably the favorite child, his two sisters absorbed the bulk of it. Even so, it was beyond destructive and disruptive.

As World War II ended, Schwarzkopf went with his dad to Iran. He learned the language and the culture of Iran as it existed in the late ‘40s. From there, it was off to Switzerland to a boarding school. He also got some serious military school training. Young Schwarzkopf knew he would one day be a student at West point, and he was, barely squeaking through the admissions process. At West Point, he found the discipline for which he had hungered as a young man. That discipline and sense of family enabled him to achieve a happiness heretofore unknown to him.

He deliberately chose the infantry branch upon graduation from West Point. He briefly considered an air force career, but his propensity to air sickness meant that wasn’t a great match.

If you read this, you’ll read about his marriage to a remarkable woman who bore him three children and no ill will no matter how many times he moved her on ridiculously short notice from pillar to post.

His service in Vietnam will hold your interest and keep you reading. The entire account is easy to read and consistently interesting.

He writes about the mistakes the military made in Vietnam, and he writes with real poignancy about watching the fall of Saigon. I thought about the parallel of our ignominious rout just over a year ago in Afghanistan, and I wondered as I read this what the four-star general’s reaction would have been to that.

From Vietnam you’ll read about a variety of postings. The chapter on our military action in Grenada in which Schwarzkopf participated is a worthwhile read.

Of course, the climax of the book involves the account of the months just prior to and the days during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm—an operation in which Schwarzkopf coordinated the ground war fought by a multinational coalition.

A Self-described Kennedy Democrat, Schwarzkopf carefully remains apolitical through this book. He isn’t critical of any president under whom he served. The relationship he had with Bush senior seems to have been cordial and communicative.

I loved reading this book for a variety of reasons. Naturally, as is true for nearly everyone on this list, I have vivid memories of Schwarzkopf’s announcements as his visage filled our TV screen. My children were young and small then, and we lived in suburban DC, so our news cycle was particularly fascinating. The war in Iraq became a local story as well as an international one for us. I have solid recall of the press conference in which Schwarzkopf displayed maps detailing the vast amounts of Iraqi territory captured by a hundred-hour ground war. In the book, he described the insolence of the Iraqi generals who surrendered.

One of the things that gave this book real value for me was learning about the behind-the-scenes culture wars Schwarzkopf had with Saudi leaders. American troops began moving into Saudi Arabia in August of 1990, and the buildup continued through and beyond the Christmas holidays. The Saudis were outraged by U.S. Military-owned radio transmitters that broadcast Christmas music to the troops. Ultimately, Schwarzkopf agreed to ensure that programmers carefully chose strictly instrumental Christmas music. The Saudis permitted instrumental Christmas music, but they balked at anything that included lyrics.

Entertainment was a difficult thing to achieve as well. CNN broadcast images one night of a group of American women bumping and grinding in front of American male troops. The Saudis were apoplectic when those broadcasts hit the satellite. Schwarzkopf was initially nonplussed by the display. He had permitted no such activity. It turns out the female entertainers were employees of the American oil company in the country—a group of women who thought they were doing a kindness by doing an amateur talent show for American troops a long way from home. The Saudis initially objected to the influx of Christmas cards into the kingdom, but Schwarzkopf patiently explained that no one on his or the Saudi staff had the time to deal with more than three thousand pieces of mail a day. The Saudis initially attempted to censor the Christmas mail, but they rapidly saw the futility of the experience.

It's the seemingly small behind-the-scenes stuff the author describes that held my interest nearly as much as the larger more obvious ground battle plans.

This is a 20-hour book, and I figured I’d be reading for days. I finished in considerably less time because I couldn’t put it down.

[Michael Gerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho-hum. Another "Hurrah, USA" for "liberating" another oil-rich Arab country.

[Anthony Mandala · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that made me realize I will never join the military.

[Aleksander Kliszczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nie wiem czy przez ileś tam lat edukacji nauczyłem się tyle co z tej książki. Polecam całym sercem

[Michał Hołda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies and rare for its time period

From Vietnam to invasion of Grenada and Iraq attack on Kuwait

Back then Schwarzkopf was military advisor with masters degree from adults college in engineering who has promised to go back to school after Vietnam ends, back then nobody called Vietnam a war. And people did not know what is going on there. Like with special ops as secret.

Back at Vietnam, Schwarzkopf was insisting on delaying attack and pissing off headquarters in pleiku ( Vietnam ) and one particular colonel. As there was no air support.

His commander officer approved and everyone else, to the point that Schwarzkopf became major.

During, United States invasion of Grenada Army told students in captivity that their way of action, that will be shooting first on Grenadines Position and that these students has to stay on the floor, with white stripes on the arms.

However Edward Trobaugh didn't want to send marines helicopters for infantry. (sea forces that could aid land forces). Although finally he carried out the order given by Schwarzkopf.

And Schwarzkopf was also right about Iraq will invade Kuwait. With Saddam's Army that was only lesser than that of China, Soviet Union, Vietnam. US, back than, was on seventh place. Iraqi army was of 900 000 people, equipped with soviet tanks T-72 south African altylery guns 155 mm, Chinese and Soviet multi-head missile launchers. Chinese rockets Silkworm, and french rockets Exocet. Soviet fighter planes MIG-29. And long range bomber planes Su-24. French fighter planes M- 1 Mirage. And that is not all.

Norman Schwarzkopf Sr.' was his father, When his son, author was making troubles with fire in backyard as a boy he told him(after learning about the past incident) never to play with fire and that we don't lie.
He also gave Mein Kampf to him in '40s to read saying that many of what Hitler said is happening. But later on this son admitted, that they won with German, that they won with Japanese and they will win with Communist threat.

His sister, Ruth Ann Schwarzkopf his fathers favorite child, at college wanted to become Communist. She has wrote to her father letter that they don't want her in communist party because of him(father). After she committed herself with The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Who later married French Jewish lecturer from University.

Good biography indeed.

[حيدر العبدلي]

الأمر لا يحتاج إلى بطل
مذكرات نورمان شوارتزكوف قائد قوات التحالف في عاصفة الصحراء، تلك الحملة التي كسرت فيها الماكنة العسكرية العراقية ومهدت لغزو العراق بعد سنوات منها،عاصفة الصحراء حصلت بعد الكارثة الاستراتيجية التي ارتكبها صدام بغزوه الكويت وبقائه فيها وتحديه لتحالف عسكري مكون من أكثر من ثلاثين دول�� يفوقونه تطوراً وتسليحاً وتكنلوجيا ليمنى العراق بهزيمة نكراء لا مثيل لها في الحروب الحديثة رغم أنه كان يمتلك رابع أكبر جيش في العالم من ناحية تعداد الأفراد، لكن، هذا الجيش الكبير العرمرم كانت به عيوب خطيرة أولها ضعف تكلنوجيا المراقبة والاستخبارات وثانيها بدائية أنظمة دفاعه الجوي حيث أنه لم يكن بحاجة لتحديثها وقت الحرب مع ايران لأن الأخيرة لم تكن متفوقة عليه جوياً، أما ثالث عيوبه فهو تمركز وتكتل سلطة القيادة والقارارات بيد مجموعة أشخاص تنتهي بالرئيس صدام من دون وجود هامش تحرك وارتجال للقادة الميدانيين ليغدو الجيش في حالة من التعتيم والفوضى عند عزله عن مركز القيادة.
بدأت عاصفة الصحراء بقصف جوي تمهيدي لم يحدث في التاريخ العسكري سابقاً، حيث ألقيت في أول يومين منها كمية قنابل تعادل ما ألقي في حرب فيتنام بأكملها،تدمرت البنية التحتية العراقية وهزم الجيش قبل بدأ العملية البرية أصلاً والتي بدأت بعد أن باشر الجيش بالانسحاب وكانت عملية ابادة للقوات المنسحبة .
كان مجموع خسائر قوات التحالف في المعركة لا يتجاوز العشرات في مقابل الآفاً مؤلفة من الجنود والمدنيين العراقيين، وفي حين كان أسرى الحرب لدى العراق لا يتجاوز الخمسين شخصاً من دول متفرقة كان لدى التحالف ما يفوق الثمانون ألف أسير حرب نهايك عن أعداد طالبي اللجوء.
ما استخلصته من مذكرات شوارتزكوف الآتي
- لم تكن الكويت ذات أهمية لا لأمريكا ولا لدول الخليج لكن دول الخليج اعتبرت أن تجرؤا صدام على دولة عربية ذات سيادة وابتلاعها سيجعل من دول الخليج لقمته التالية وكانت مطالبهم الرئيسية تدمير القوة العسكرية لصدام أي نزع مخالبه، أما بالنسبة لأمريكا فيذكر شواتزكوف أن حصول صدام على نفط الكويت سيجعله يحصل على عائدات نفط تفوق دول الخليج مجتمعة مما سيمكنه من بناء ترسانة عسكرية جبارة تهدد اسرائيل والسلام العالمي حسب قول شوارتزكوف.
-أثناء فترة انتقال القوات الأمريكية إلى الأراضي السعودية وفي الأسابيع الستة الأولى كانت لدى صدام فرصة ذهبية لإيقاع هزيمة نكراء بتلك القوات، حيث أن عملية نقل الفرق والفيالق عملية معقدة فسرية الدبابات تحتاج مثلاً إلى 1500 عنصر بين فني وجندي ولا فائدة من وجود الطيران قبل تواجد وتكامل باقي القوات كما لا فائدة من وجود دبابات بدون عتادها ولا فنييها، لذا كان تكدس القوات في السعودية قبل اكتمال تكاملها وجاهزيته نقطة تؤرق شورارتزكوف حيث كان من الممكن شن هجوم عسكري عليها وانزال هزيمة كارثية بالجيش الأمريكي ستقلب موازين الأمور كلياً.
- كانت قوات التحالف تتوقع أن يستخدم صدام أسلحته البايلوجية في أية لحظة من المعركة لإيقاع أكبر ضرر بالقوات المهاجمة لكنه لم يستخدمها أبداً، لا أحد يعلم السبب.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent, interesting autobiography and I enjoyed reading it--until I got to the end and found that the history doesn't go beyond General Schwarzkopf's retirement from the Army. No commentary on the Iraq War or anything that followed, and I was looking forward to that. Apparently it's not a done thing for retired generals to give their opinions of what the military or government did after they served, but I would love to know the author's opinion of all that has happened since he led the U.S. and coalition forces to victory in Operation Desert Storm.

Nevertheless, his account of his early years, education at West Point, and military service are interesting, as I remember the times he lived in. It was good to get an insider's perspective on Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He does not mince words about failures of unnamed officers and names those who deserve praise. I admired his emphasis on caring for military families and on putting the troops first. I also admired his sensitivity to Arabian cultures around the Arabian Gulf. And learned how hard it is to try to organize and command troops, as things move slowly and sometime higher-ups don't understand what is going on. Schwarzkopf served the Army and the United States well.

[Pei-jean Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful look into the life of H. Norman Schwarzkopf Jnr. Stormin’ Norman as he would become known after his command of the coalition forces during Desert Storm probably never imagined a child that his star would rise even higher than that of his father Schwarzkopf Snr, but it is evident that his father would be the defining influence of his life.
His experiences in the aftermath of Vietnam and the way in which veterans were treated also shaped his view of making sure that every person under his command was well taken care of right down to the families of military personnel making sure that they were not forgotten at all is perhaps for me the most inspirational thing about his leadership.
Especially poignant for me is his time in what was South Vietnam as my father grew up in Saigon and since I was born well after Saigon had fallen; it was insight into the Saigon of my father’s childhood and also a virtual experience of what my grandparents, aunts and uncles had lived through (my dad had been shuffled out by my grandfather as he was going to end up being drafted into the South Vietnamese Army which my grandparents did not want as ethnically we are Chinese)

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an outstanding personal account of the life, Army career, professional growth, and command philosophy of an American hero. There is much here for an aspiring Army officer to learn about leadership, warfighting and family. It is written in a very easy style and steady pace with clear explanations of military terms (many of which I have not heard for years) for those who are not familiar with them. If you take nothing else away from the book you know how deeply Schwarzkopf loved his country, his soldiers and his family; he always tried to do the best he could to take care of them while accomplishing the mission. I personally enjoyed this book because we shared many of the same experiences (to a point), places served, and key leaders known (I served under several of his friends). I only saw him once that I can recall – at the DCSOPS family picnic in 1988 – but I do have his autograph on my ARSTAF Badge certificate.

[Patrick J. McAdam · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I’ve always been interested in military history, I’ve never had the time to read much about it. When I saw this book being offered at a discount cost for the Kindle, I decided to download and read it. It’s a long book (640 pages) so it takes an investment in time.

I remembered General Schwarzkopf very well from Desert Storm and was always very impressed by him. This autobiography details everything from being a West Point son to his own distinguished career.

I truly feel I learned a lot by reading this book. The General’s life, the ways of the military, and everything there is to know of Desert Storm. I visited West Point recently and saw the General’s plot. I’m glad I know more of this American hero’s life.

[Peter Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read - direct,comprehensive and interesting,although obviously mainly for students of history and military affairs.I have no knowledge of military matters except in a very general way but this book draws you in as he traces his story from parents (warts and all),schooling and his rise in the army.He seems like a good guy,down to earth, caring for his troops,career minded and ,as far as he could be,a family man.He was involved in Germany,Vietnam,Grenada and the Middle East,all of which are covered.His detailed account of Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq shows his skill in keeping a broad coalition of forces happy and his meticulous planning of the invasion to force the Iraqi forces to retreat.A good book about a good man and a good campaign.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive autobiography and a good companion to David Hackworth’s “About Face” in that the first half covers some of the same timeframe, issued and comes to the same conclusion thus leading credibility to both.

Desert Storm takes up a large portion of this book which should come as no real surprise. During the first half of the book Schwarzkopf does seem pretty open and honest, however, things do seem pretty rosy in his account of his actions during Desert Storm. Admittedly I’m not an expert on this era so I am unable to say if this rosy viewpoint is warranted or not, however, I would suspect the author was likely unconsciously overly positive in his account of what was his life’s greatest achievement

[Andrew Moring · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible collection of anecdotes that provide a life story of a man doing his duty in a meaningful manner, promoting deeper surface level thought and the integration of actions with words. A transformative tale of accepting growth and applying knowledge when faced with new environments and different customs. This pierces the veil of Washington politics, military chain of command, and most importantly the illusion of heroes being an otherworldly force. It never takes one, but it always makes one.

[Donovan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and I am fortunate enough to own a signed copy. That aside, it is very well written and engaging. The background on many military events from the eyewitness of the great man is incredible. Even for those who may not agree with his decisions or others in positions to make those decisions this book is worth the time it takes to read.
The book is clearly written and contains great pictures and maps that allow the reader to follow the vivid descriptions even closer.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

A detailed memoir by a self-aggrandizing, chest-thumping windbag of a chateau general who bet the farm on a "Hail Mary" that should not have worked. It very nearly didn't, but he omits the crucially embarrassing time period from his day-by-day breakdown, leaving readers none the wiser and praising the "brilliance" of his strategy because they don't realize they're committing the Resulting fallacy.

[Eugenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this autobiography. I met General Schwarzkopf when I was living in the Gulf and found him to be charming and easy going and this book does nothing to change my mind. I am not as interested in the strategy of troop movements as some are but I really enjoyed the anecdotes in that portion of the book--and I was very interested in his early life and career. Lots of important details about a time that I remember very clearly.

[Emily Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

GEN (R) Schwarzkopf, former Army thrower and an advocate of its “okay to say I don’t know” shoutout.

“I knew there would be times when I’d be asked questions whose answers I didn’t know; I was not going to make up answers. Instead, I’d simply say, ‘I don’t know.’ There would be times when my information would be incomplete; I had to resist the temptation to draw rosy conclusions and report them as fact.”

[Bruce Ginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book hard to set down. I was pulled to it by the recounting of his interesting childhood, his time as a West Point cadet, and his recounting of his many military assignments, especially in Vietnam and the Middle East. I met him a few times as a new 2 LT in Alaska in the 1970s when he was my Brigade CDR. He impressed me beyond words back then. The book reinforced and added to my admiration for him as a person, soldier, and leader.