He was born on May 5, 1937 in Presbyterian Hospital in the South Bronx, New York. Despite the prevalent influence of drugs and gangs in his neighborhood, Powell managed to avoid getting involved (source 1, page 23).
Powell’s parents, Muad Ariel McKoy and Luther Theophilus Powell, were immigrants from Jamaica. In Jamaica, the McKoy family was responsible for overseeing sugar plantations. Muad Ariel McKoy migrated to America with her mother, who is Colin’s grandmother.
The Powell families in Jamaica were peasant farmers. However, Muad and Luther were in New York at the time, not in Jamaica (source 1, page 20, 21).
Colin Powell, a resourceful individual, had an unexpected educational path. Initially, in fourth grade, he was placed in the slow class. Later on, during his Junior High years, he enrolled in an all-male school. Despite his remarkable academic achievements, he was always overshadowed by his sister Marilyn Powell. In 1950, Colin completed his studies at Morris High School and remarkably managed to maintain a clean record by avoiding any conflicts or troubles throughout high school. By 1954, he successfully graduated from high school.
Powell made the decision to submit applications to two colleges, City College of New York (CCNY) and New York University (NYU). Both schools accepted him, but he ultimately selected CCNY due to its significantly lower tuition cost of only ten dollars per semester. In contrast, NYU charged a steep fee of seven hundred and fifty dollars per semester. Powell focused on Engineering as his major and successfully finished his college studies in 1958. (source 1 pages 32, 36)
During his time in college, Colin Powell joined the Recruit Officer Training Corps (ROTC) for the discipline, camaraderie, and military association it offered (source 2, interview page 1) (source 2, biography page 1). In addition to ROTC, Powell was involved in the Pershing Rifles group within ROTC. This group demonstrated a stronger commitment than regular cadets and required members to stay in ROTC for their entire college career. Members of the Pershing Rifles were easily distinguished by wearing a yellow wrap on their right shoulder (source 1, page 40).
In 1987, Colin Powell was appointed as the Nation Security Advisor by Ronald Reagan and within two years, in 1989, he became the youngest officer and first black individual to assume the esteemed role of Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his tenure as Chairman, Powell played a crucial part in both planning and executing the invasion of Panama in 1989 and the Persian Gulf War in 1991. (Source 4, page 1)
When Powell joined the United States Army in 1958, he received a commission as a second lieutenant [source 2 (biography page 1)]. He attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning in Georgia. In this course, he acquired various skills such as calling artillery fire, completing government forms, operating a radio, maintaining motor vehicles, and handling prisoners of war. None of these skills were taught in ROTC (source 1 pages 45, 46).
Powell was assigned to attend both Airborne and Ranger schools. Airborne school involved challenging and monotonous physical training, which served as preparation for future paratroopers. On the other hand, Ranger school provided the toughest and most demanding field training for infantrymen, with muddy, sweaty, and exhausting conditions. Ultimately, Powell successfully completed both schools and became an Airborne Ranger, a significant achievement.
During his initial deployment in Vietnam in 1962, Colin Powell experienced danger when he veered off the path and fell into a punji trap laid by the Vietcong. This trap consisted of a pit filled with bamboo spikes soaked in infectious buffalo dung. Despite feeling the spike penetrate his foot and boot, Powell persevered and developed an infection that necessitated him to use a stick for support. Medics at the base had to remove his boot, revealing a foot discolored with purple. After being examined by a doctor at division headquarters, it was determined that his foot would recover within a few days. As a consequence of this injury, Powell received both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star accolades.
During his subsequent tour, Powell encountered another injury in a helicopter crash but managed to rescue the remaining crew members from the burning wreckage despite sustaining injuries himself. In recognition of this courageous act, he was bestowed with the Soldiers Medal. In total, Powell has received 11 honors including the Legion of Merit [source 2 (biography page 1) (interview page 2)].
In 1989, Powell took on the role of Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff. During Powell’s Honor Ceremony held on the White House lawn, George Bush and Dick Cheney each delivered speeches reflecting on Powell’s Chairmanship. Powell also shared a poignant story about a painting housed in the pentagon. The painting depicted a family praying in a church, as the father prepared to go off to war. Notably, it featured an inscription from the prophet Isaiah, which read: ‘And the good Lord God asked: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” And the reply came back: “Here I am, send me.” (Source 1, pages 161-162).
Powell assumed the role of Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff on October 1, 1989 and dedicated significant time to his responsibilities in the Chairman’s offices. His leadership during Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations in 1991 earned him recognition. The position of Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff has transformed into one with considerable power and influence (source 1, page 161,165). In World War II, the highest military leader in America collaborated with British officers to discuss plans among allies. The establishment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was subsequently formalized through the National Security Act of 1947. This organization includes representatives from the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines (Source, page 165).
Powell chose to resign as Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1993, despite having the opportunity to win the 1994 election. However, concerns about his family’s safety and personal privacy discouraged him from pursuing a political career.
According to sources, Powell stated that his decision was not solely influenced by his family. He believed that it was not the appropriate choice for him at this time (source 3, page 56).
Powell’s life in the Bronx and his role as Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff were sources of great inspiration for many people. It is noteworthy that Powell’s book, at a certain point, reached the top-selling position in the country, which demonstrates the widespread admiration he garnered [source 2(profile), page 1].
I thoroughly enjoyed completing this report and gaining extensive knowledge about Colin Luther Powell. He has undoubtedly achieved remarkable accomplishments throughout his life, making him an admirable role model for me.
