What do you think?
Rate this book
It Doesn't Take A Hero: The Autobiography
He set his star by a simple motto: 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 career: the events, the adventures, and the emotions that molded the character and shaped the beliefs of this uniquely distinguished American leader.
530 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1992
173 people are currently reading
1977 people want to read
About the author
Norman Schwarzkopf
12 books20 followersBorn 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
April 4, 2020
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.
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.
August 2, 2014
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.
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.
September 27, 2013
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.
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.
September 17, 2008
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.
"...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.
June 10, 2015
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.
March 3, 2021
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.
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.
November 15, 2022
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.
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.
February 13, 2018
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.
October 17, 2025
Norman Schwarzkopf’s *It Doesn’t Take a Hero: The Autobiography of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf* is a study in contrasts: at once intensely personal and expansively operational, reflective yet immediate, disciplined yet deeply human.
The book is not merely a chronicle of military campaigns or a recounting of a commander’s triumphs; it is a meditation on leadership, responsibility, morality, and the burdens of command under circumstances that are at once spectacular and terrifyingly ordinary.
Published in 1992, shortly after the Gulf War, Schwarzkopf’s narrative enters the historical and public arena at a moment when the world was captivated by the “video-game war” that unfolded under television lights.
Yet, unlike media accounts or sanitized briefings, the autobiography offers a reflective, layered perspective, revealing the psychological, emotional, and ethical dimensions of orchestrating a coalition war of unprecedented complexity. It is in these dimensions — the interplay of preparation, principle, and human judgment — that the book finds its enduring power.
The structure of *It Doesn’t Take a Hero* reflects the dual nature of Schwarzkopf’s experience: the intertwining of personal development and professional evolution. The narrative opens with Schwarzkopf’s early life, tracing the contours of his upbringing in a military family, the influence of his parents, and the formative experiences that shaped his character. These sections, though biographical, serve a dual purpose.
They humanize a figure often seen through the lens of rank and media spectacle, while simultaneously establishing the roots of the discipline, rigor, and sense of responsibility that would define his career. In recounting his early years, Schwarzkopf demonstrates a keen awareness of how character is forged by environment, choice, and circumstance, a theme that recurs throughout the book in more urgent forms during the Gulf War. He writes of schooling, of sports and camaraderie, of mentors and early disappointments, and in doing so he frames leadership not as a matter of positional authority but as the culmination of moral and practical training over a lifetime. There is a clarity to his recollections, an absence of ostentation, that suggests a man equally concerned with accuracy and self-awareness, conscious of the responsibility that comes with narrating one’s own life.
As the narrative progresses, Schwarzkopf moves from adolescence into the crucible of military service. His account of the Vietnam War, the Middle East postings, and earlier operational experiences is both exhaustive and instructive. He describes with careful precision the strategic, tactical, and logistical challenges faced in each context, yet he never allows the operational detail to overshadow the human dimensions of command.
Soldiers are not statistics; they are individuals whose courage, weaknesses, fears, and resilience must be balanced against the demands of mission and strategy. Here, Schwarzkopf’s prose achieves a remarkable balance. It is disciplined, reflecting the military training and habits of mind he has internalized, yet it is suffused with empathy and observation. The reader comes to understand that leadership, for Schwarzkopf, is not about ego or display but about responsibility: the ethical obligation to ensure that every decision takes into account the lives and welfare of those under one’s command.
This ethical dimension becomes particularly acute in the sections dealing with the Gulf War. Here, Schwarzkopf’s narrative shifts from the reflective to the immediate, from personal formation to operational reality. He details the planning, coordination, and execution of Desert Storm with meticulous care, capturing the complexity of a coalition operation involving multiple national contingents, political imperatives, and technological systems.
Yet even in these sections dense with operational description, the narrative never loses sight of human experience. Schwarzkopf’s soldiers are present in the text not as background figures but as essential actors: their fear, ingenuity, fatigue, and camaraderie animate the narrative. Schwarzkopf recounts their actions, often interweaving anecdotes that reveal the improvisation, courage, and endurance required in the desert environment.
His descriptions of logistical planning — the movement of armored units, the synchronization of air and ground operations, the coordination of intelligence and communications — are rendered accessible through clear exposition, yet they carry with them the implicit tension of lives dependent on timing, judgment, and clarity under pressure.
One of the most compelling features of the autobiography is Schwarzkopf’s tone. It is calm, authoritative, and deeply reflective, yet never complacent or boastful. The narrative voice conveys confidence born of preparation and experience, but it is tempered by humility and moral awareness. He consistently foregrounds the contributions of staff, colleagues, coalition partners, and soldiers, presenting leadership as a collective, morally-laden endeavor rather than a personal achievement.
This restraint enhances the authenticity of the narrative, allowing the reader to perceive the true weight of command — the knowledge that every decision carries potential consequences of life and death. Schwarzkopf does not dramatize heroism; he presents it as responsibility enacted through skill, preparation, and courage.
In addition to operational and ethical insight, the book provides a nuanced meditation on the interplay between military command and public perception. Schwarzkopf is candid about the pressures exerted by the media, the expectations of political leaders, and the strategic management of public opinion. The Gulf War was notable for its unprecedented media coverage, and Schwarzkopf reflects on how this reality shaped both the conduct of operations and the psychological burden on commanders.
He discusses the careful balancing act between operational security and transparency, between the necessity of maintaining morale and the imperative to convey accurate information to the public. These reflections reveal a commander deeply conscious of the symbolic as well as the material dimensions of modern warfare. Atkinson’s *Crusade* may analyze these same events from the outside, but Schwarzkopf provides the interior perspective, revealing the lived experience of negotiating between strategy, ethics, and public scrutiny.
The narrative also engages deeply with the theme of leadership under pressure. Schwarzkopf repeatedly emphasizes preparation, discipline, and moral judgment as the foundation of effective command. He recounts situations where rapid decisions were necessary, where incomplete information and operational ambiguity demanded not only tactical skill but also psychological resilience. In these moments, the autobiography becomes a study of character and the human capacity to navigate complexity.
Leadership, in Schwarzkopf’s view, is not about charisma or force of personality but about cultivating clarity, integrity, and empathy, even when circumstances demand ruthlessness or decisive action. This emphasis on ethical discernment distinguishes the memoir from many military autobiographies, which often privilege action over reflection.
Throughout the book, Schwarzkopf’s attention to detail is remarkable. He describes the technical aspects of planning and execution with precision, yet he does so in a way that preserves narrative flow and accessibility. Maps, unit movements, logistics, and coordination efforts are integrated seamlessly into the story, so that the reader is never lost in abstraction. At the same time, these operational details underscore the enormity of responsibility borne by a commander: each miscalculation, delay, or oversight has immediate human consequences. Schwarzkopf’s ability to convey both the strategic and personal dimensions of command is one of the memoir’s most impressive achievements.
The autobiography also addresses the psychological dimensions of leadership. Schwarzkopf writes about the isolation of command, the weight of expectations, and the constant negotiation between confidence and humility. He is candid about moments of doubt, of second-guessing decisions, and of navigating the moral ambiguities inherent in warfare. Yet he frames these reflections not as vulnerability but as integral to responsible command.
This honesty lends the narrative a rare depth: the reader perceives the tension between authority and accountability, between professional detachment and human empathy. The book thus transcends conventional military autobiography, offering insight not only into warfare but into the broader human experience of responsibility under extreme pressure.
Schwarzkopf’s reflections extend beyond individual experience to encompass broader lessons about military culture and organizational dynamics. He considers the importance of preparation, training, and the cultivation of esprit de corps, as well as the challenges of coordinating multinational forces with differing doctrines, cultures, and expectations.
The narrative conveys an acute awareness of how strategy, tactics, and morale intersect, and how effective leadership must integrate these dimensions. Schwarzkopf’s attention to detail, combined with his reflective tone, transforms operational description into moral and philosophical inquiry, rendering the Gulf War simultaneously concrete and emblematic.
The narrative’s pacing mirrors the rhythm of military operations. Schwarzkopf alternates between measured exposition and sequences of heightened tension, replicating the psychological experience of commanding large-scale operations. During preparatory phases, the prose is deliberate, reflective, and meticulous, conveying the accumulation of knowledge and decision-making. During combat and field operations, the narrative accelerates, creating immediacy and suspense while maintaining clarity.
This modulation of pace contributes to the book’s immersive quality, allowing readers to inhabit both the deliberative and kinetic aspects of command. It also reflects Schwarzkopf’s understanding that leadership requires both patient analysis and decisive action — a lesson that reverberates throughout the autobiography.
Another notable aspect of *It Doesn’t Take a Hero* is its treatment of coalition dynamics. Schwarzkopf writes extensively about coordinating forces from multiple nations, navigating differing operational doctrines, cultural practices, and political constraints. These passages reveal the complexities of leadership in an interconnected environment, where decisions are not solely tactical but also diplomatic.
The narrative emphasizes negotiation, mutual respect, and strategic communication as essential tools of command. In doing so, Schwarzkopf provides insight into modern coalition warfare, anticipating the challenges that would define subsequent multinational military operations. The book thus operates on multiple levels, blending personal memoir, operational history, and analytical reflection.
The autobiography also addresses the theme of accountability. Schwarzkopf consistently emphasizes that leadership entails responsibility not only for success but also for failure. He recounts situations in which decisions produced unintended consequences, and he reflects on the processes of evaluation, adjustment, and learning that followed.
This commitment to accountability is evident both in his military philosophy and in the act of writing the memoir itself. By acknowledging the limitations of personal and organizational control, Schwarzkopf humanizes the figure of the general, transforming the narrative into a study of ethical and practical responsibility in contexts of extreme complexity.
Schwarzkopf’s prose, while disciplined and precise, is never dry. His narrative voice balances operational rigor with empathy, clarity with reflection. He incorporates anecdotes, vignettes, and human moments that illuminate the experience of soldiers, staff officers, and coalition partners. These passages provide texture and immediacy, reminding readers that war, even when mediated by technology and hierarchy, is ultimately experienced through human senses, judgment, and emotion. Humor, irony, and humility appear sporadically, creating moments of relief and reflection amid the gravity of operational detail.
The cumulative effect is a text that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant, accessible to military professionals and general readers alike.
In comparison to other accounts of the Gulf War, Schwarzkopf’s autobiography is unique in its integration of personal, operational, and ethical perspectives. Whereas Rick Atkinson’s *Crusade* analyzes the conflict from a journalistic and historical standpoint, and Andy McNab’s *Bravo Two Zero* recounts frontline operational experience, Schwarzkopf provides a window into the command-level perspective, blending personal narrative with strategic insight.
The book reveals how decisions are made at the highest levels, the pressures of responsibility, and the moral and psychological dimensions of leading a coalition war. In doing so, it complements and enriches the broader corpus of Gulf War literature, offering a perspective that is both authoritative and humanizing.
One of the most striking features of the autobiography is its treatment of heroism. Schwarzkopf challenges conventional notions of valor and glory, suggesting that true heroism lies not in dramatic exploits but in the consistent application of responsibility, judgment, and ethical leadership. He recounts instances in which courage manifests quietly: in careful planning, in attention to detail, in concern for the welfare of subordinates.
This conception of heroism aligns with the book’s title, emphasizing the moral and practical dimensions of leadership over spectacle. It also distinguishes Schwarzkopf from many contemporaneous accounts of war, which often valorize personal bravery at the expense of systemic understanding.
Throughout the narrative, Schwarzkopf demonstrates an acute awareness of the interplay between strategy and human experience. He describes how operational plans are informed not only by terrain, technology, and logistics but also by the morale, culture, and psychology of soldiers. He reflects on the importance of communication, delegation, and the cultivation of trust, emphasizing that effective leadership is relational as well as strategic.
These reflections elevate the autobiography beyond conventional military memoir, transforming it into a study of human systems under stress. The Gulf War, in Schwarzkopf’s account, is a lens through which the reader can examine the broader principles of organization, responsibility, and ethical decision-making.
The book’s reflective passages also provide insight into Schwarzkopf’s personal philosophy. He emphasizes discipline, preparation, humility, and integrity as central to effective leadership, and he models these qualities in his recounting of decisions, interactions, and challenges. He acknowledges the limits of personal control, the inevitability of uncertainty, and the moral weight of responsibility, creating a narrative that is both introspective and instructive. In doing so, he offers lessons that extend beyond the military sphere, applicable to any context in which leadership, ethics, and complex decision-making converge.
The narrative’s accessibility is another significant strength. Schwarzkopf writes in clear, concise prose, avoiding excessive jargon while conveying complex operational and strategic concepts. Maps, unit movements, and technical details are integrated seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing understanding without interrupting flow. This clarity allows readers to grasp the scope and complexity of the Gulf War while remaining engaged with the human dimension of the story. The result is a memoir that is simultaneously educational, compelling, and emotionally resonant.
As the narrative moves toward conclusion, Schwarzkopf reflects on the outcomes and lessons of the Gulf War. He considers the implications for military doctrine, coalition operations, and leadership practice, situating personal experience within
The book is not merely a chronicle of military campaigns or a recounting of a commander’s triumphs; it is a meditation on leadership, responsibility, morality, and the burdens of command under circumstances that are at once spectacular and terrifyingly ordinary.
Published in 1992, shortly after the Gulf War, Schwarzkopf’s narrative enters the historical and public arena at a moment when the world was captivated by the “video-game war” that unfolded under television lights.
Yet, unlike media accounts or sanitized briefings, the autobiography offers a reflective, layered perspective, revealing the psychological, emotional, and ethical dimensions of orchestrating a coalition war of unprecedented complexity. It is in these dimensions — the interplay of preparation, principle, and human judgment — that the book finds its enduring power.
The structure of *It Doesn’t Take a Hero* reflects the dual nature of Schwarzkopf’s experience: the intertwining of personal development and professional evolution. The narrative opens with Schwarzkopf’s early life, tracing the contours of his upbringing in a military family, the influence of his parents, and the formative experiences that shaped his character. These sections, though biographical, serve a dual purpose.
They humanize a figure often seen through the lens of rank and media spectacle, while simultaneously establishing the roots of the discipline, rigor, and sense of responsibility that would define his career. In recounting his early years, Schwarzkopf demonstrates a keen awareness of how character is forged by environment, choice, and circumstance, a theme that recurs throughout the book in more urgent forms during the Gulf War. He writes of schooling, of sports and camaraderie, of mentors and early disappointments, and in doing so he frames leadership not as a matter of positional authority but as the culmination of moral and practical training over a lifetime. There is a clarity to his recollections, an absence of ostentation, that suggests a man equally concerned with accuracy and self-awareness, conscious of the responsibility that comes with narrating one’s own life.
As the narrative progresses, Schwarzkopf moves from adolescence into the crucible of military service. His account of the Vietnam War, the Middle East postings, and earlier operational experiences is both exhaustive and instructive. He describes with careful precision the strategic, tactical, and logistical challenges faced in each context, yet he never allows the operational detail to overshadow the human dimensions of command.
Soldiers are not statistics; they are individuals whose courage, weaknesses, fears, and resilience must be balanced against the demands of mission and strategy. Here, Schwarzkopf’s prose achieves a remarkable balance. It is disciplined, reflecting the military training and habits of mind he has internalized, yet it is suffused with empathy and observation. The reader comes to understand that leadership, for Schwarzkopf, is not about ego or display but about responsibility: the ethical obligation to ensure that every decision takes into account the lives and welfare of those under one’s command.
This ethical dimension becomes particularly acute in the sections dealing with the Gulf War. Here, Schwarzkopf’s narrative shifts from the reflective to the immediate, from personal formation to operational reality. He details the planning, coordination, and execution of Desert Storm with meticulous care, capturing the complexity of a coalition operation involving multiple national contingents, political imperatives, and technological systems.
Yet even in these sections dense with operational description, the narrative never loses sight of human experience. Schwarzkopf’s soldiers are present in the text not as background figures but as essential actors: their fear, ingenuity, fatigue, and camaraderie animate the narrative. Schwarzkopf recounts their actions, often interweaving anecdotes that reveal the improvisation, courage, and endurance required in the desert environment.
His descriptions of logistical planning — the movement of armored units, the synchronization of air and ground operations, the coordination of intelligence and communications — are rendered accessible through clear exposition, yet they carry with them the implicit tension of lives dependent on timing, judgment, and clarity under pressure.
One of the most compelling features of the autobiography is Schwarzkopf’s tone. It is calm, authoritative, and deeply reflective, yet never complacent or boastful. The narrative voice conveys confidence born of preparation and experience, but it is tempered by humility and moral awareness. He consistently foregrounds the contributions of staff, colleagues, coalition partners, and soldiers, presenting leadership as a collective, morally-laden endeavor rather than a personal achievement.
This restraint enhances the authenticity of the narrative, allowing the reader to perceive the true weight of command — the knowledge that every decision carries potential consequences of life and death. Schwarzkopf does not dramatize heroism; he presents it as responsibility enacted through skill, preparation, and courage.
In addition to operational and ethical insight, the book provides a nuanced meditation on the interplay between military command and public perception. Schwarzkopf is candid about the pressures exerted by the media, the expectations of political leaders, and the strategic management of public opinion. The Gulf War was notable for its unprecedented media coverage, and Schwarzkopf reflects on how this reality shaped both the conduct of operations and the psychological burden on commanders.
He discusses the careful balancing act between operational security and transparency, between the necessity of maintaining morale and the imperative to convey accurate information to the public. These reflections reveal a commander deeply conscious of the symbolic as well as the material dimensions of modern warfare. Atkinson’s *Crusade* may analyze these same events from the outside, but Schwarzkopf provides the interior perspective, revealing the lived experience of negotiating between strategy, ethics, and public scrutiny.
The narrative also engages deeply with the theme of leadership under pressure. Schwarzkopf repeatedly emphasizes preparation, discipline, and moral judgment as the foundation of effective command. He recounts situations where rapid decisions were necessary, where incomplete information and operational ambiguity demanded not only tactical skill but also psychological resilience. In these moments, the autobiography becomes a study of character and the human capacity to navigate complexity.
Leadership, in Schwarzkopf’s view, is not about charisma or force of personality but about cultivating clarity, integrity, and empathy, even when circumstances demand ruthlessness or decisive action. This emphasis on ethical discernment distinguishes the memoir from many military autobiographies, which often privilege action over reflection.
Throughout the book, Schwarzkopf’s attention to detail is remarkable. He describes the technical aspects of planning and execution with precision, yet he does so in a way that preserves narrative flow and accessibility. Maps, unit movements, logistics, and coordination efforts are integrated seamlessly into the story, so that the reader is never lost in abstraction. At the same time, these operational details underscore the enormity of responsibility borne by a commander: each miscalculation, delay, or oversight has immediate human consequences. Schwarzkopf’s ability to convey both the strategic and personal dimensions of command is one of the memoir’s most impressive achievements.
The autobiography also addresses the psychological dimensions of leadership. Schwarzkopf writes about the isolation of command, the weight of expectations, and the constant negotiation between confidence and humility. He is candid about moments of doubt, of second-guessing decisions, and of navigating the moral ambiguities inherent in warfare. Yet he frames these reflections not as vulnerability but as integral to responsible command.
This honesty lends the narrative a rare depth: the reader perceives the tension between authority and accountability, between professional detachment and human empathy. The book thus transcends conventional military autobiography, offering insight not only into warfare but into the broader human experience of responsibility under extreme pressure.
Schwarzkopf’s reflections extend beyond individual experience to encompass broader lessons about military culture and organizational dynamics. He considers the importance of preparation, training, and the cultivation of esprit de corps, as well as the challenges of coordinating multinational forces with differing doctrines, cultures, and expectations.
The narrative conveys an acute awareness of how strategy, tactics, and morale intersect, and how effective leadership must integrate these dimensions. Schwarzkopf’s attention to detail, combined with his reflective tone, transforms operational description into moral and philosophical inquiry, rendering the Gulf War simultaneously concrete and emblematic.
The narrative’s pacing mirrors the rhythm of military operations. Schwarzkopf alternates between measured exposition and sequences of heightened tension, replicating the psychological experience of commanding large-scale operations. During preparatory phases, the prose is deliberate, reflective, and meticulous, conveying the accumulation of knowledge and decision-making. During combat and field operations, the narrative accelerates, creating immediacy and suspense while maintaining clarity.
This modulation of pace contributes to the book’s immersive quality, allowing readers to inhabit both the deliberative and kinetic aspects of command. It also reflects Schwarzkopf’s understanding that leadership requires both patient analysis and decisive action — a lesson that reverberates throughout the autobiography.
Another notable aspect of *It Doesn’t Take a Hero* is its treatment of coalition dynamics. Schwarzkopf writes extensively about coordinating forces from multiple nations, navigating differing operational doctrines, cultural practices, and political constraints. These passages reveal the complexities of leadership in an interconnected environment, where decisions are not solely tactical but also diplomatic.
The narrative emphasizes negotiation, mutual respect, and strategic communication as essential tools of command. In doing so, Schwarzkopf provides insight into modern coalition warfare, anticipating the challenges that would define subsequent multinational military operations. The book thus operates on multiple levels, blending personal memoir, operational history, and analytical reflection.
The autobiography also addresses the theme of accountability. Schwarzkopf consistently emphasizes that leadership entails responsibility not only for success but also for failure. He recounts situations in which decisions produced unintended consequences, and he reflects on the processes of evaluation, adjustment, and learning that followed.
This commitment to accountability is evident both in his military philosophy and in the act of writing the memoir itself. By acknowledging the limitations of personal and organizational control, Schwarzkopf humanizes the figure of the general, transforming the narrative into a study of ethical and practical responsibility in contexts of extreme complexity.
Schwarzkopf’s prose, while disciplined and precise, is never dry. His narrative voice balances operational rigor with empathy, clarity with reflection. He incorporates anecdotes, vignettes, and human moments that illuminate the experience of soldiers, staff officers, and coalition partners. These passages provide texture and immediacy, reminding readers that war, even when mediated by technology and hierarchy, is ultimately experienced through human senses, judgment, and emotion. Humor, irony, and humility appear sporadically, creating moments of relief and reflection amid the gravity of operational detail.
The cumulative effect is a text that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant, accessible to military professionals and general readers alike.
In comparison to other accounts of the Gulf War, Schwarzkopf’s autobiography is unique in its integration of personal, operational, and ethical perspectives. Whereas Rick Atkinson’s *Crusade* analyzes the conflict from a journalistic and historical standpoint, and Andy McNab’s *Bravo Two Zero* recounts frontline operational experience, Schwarzkopf provides a window into the command-level perspective, blending personal narrative with strategic insight.
The book reveals how decisions are made at the highest levels, the pressures of responsibility, and the moral and psychological dimensions of leading a coalition war. In doing so, it complements and enriches the broader corpus of Gulf War literature, offering a perspective that is both authoritative and humanizing.
One of the most striking features of the autobiography is its treatment of heroism. Schwarzkopf challenges conventional notions of valor and glory, suggesting that true heroism lies not in dramatic exploits but in the consistent application of responsibility, judgment, and ethical leadership. He recounts instances in which courage manifests quietly: in careful planning, in attention to detail, in concern for the welfare of subordinates.
This conception of heroism aligns with the book’s title, emphasizing the moral and practical dimensions of leadership over spectacle. It also distinguishes Schwarzkopf from many contemporaneous accounts of war, which often valorize personal bravery at the expense of systemic understanding.
Throughout the narrative, Schwarzkopf demonstrates an acute awareness of the interplay between strategy and human experience. He describes how operational plans are informed not only by terrain, technology, and logistics but also by the morale, culture, and psychology of soldiers. He reflects on the importance of communication, delegation, and the cultivation of trust, emphasizing that effective leadership is relational as well as strategic.
These reflections elevate the autobiography beyond conventional military memoir, transforming it into a study of human systems under stress. The Gulf War, in Schwarzkopf’s account, is a lens through which the reader can examine the broader principles of organization, responsibility, and ethical decision-making.
The book’s reflective passages also provide insight into Schwarzkopf’s personal philosophy. He emphasizes discipline, preparation, humility, and integrity as central to effective leadership, and he models these qualities in his recounting of decisions, interactions, and challenges. He acknowledges the limits of personal control, the inevitability of uncertainty, and the moral weight of responsibility, creating a narrative that is both introspective and instructive. In doing so, he offers lessons that extend beyond the military sphere, applicable to any context in which leadership, ethics, and complex decision-making converge.
The narrative’s accessibility is another significant strength. Schwarzkopf writes in clear, concise prose, avoiding excessive jargon while conveying complex operational and strategic concepts. Maps, unit movements, and technical details are integrated seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing understanding without interrupting flow. This clarity allows readers to grasp the scope and complexity of the Gulf War while remaining engaged with the human dimension of the story. The result is a memoir that is simultaneously educational, compelling, and emotionally resonant.
As the narrative moves toward conclusion, Schwarzkopf reflects on the outcomes and lessons of the Gulf War. He considers the implications for military doctrine, coalition operations, and leadership practice, situating personal experience within
May 15, 2017
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.
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.
August 19, 2019
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.
May 19, 2013
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.
March 30, 2021
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
September 18, 2022
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.
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.
May 14, 2020
Ho-hum. Another "Hurrah, USA" for "liberating" another oil-rich Arab country.
November 24, 2013
The book that made me realize I will never join the military.
March 12, 2023
Nie wiem czy przez ileś tam lat edukacji nauczyłem się tyle co z tej książki. Polecam całym sercem
June 15, 2021
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.
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.
Read
December 15, 2021الأمر لا يحتاج إلى بطل
مذكرات نورمان شوا��تزكوف 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 دولة 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.
مذكرات نورمان شوا��تزكوف 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 دولة 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.
July 5, 2021
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.
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.
August 29, 2020
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)
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)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2019
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.
December 27, 2017
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.
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.
December 4, 2021
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.
March 16, 2025
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
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
December 10, 2025
لا انكر امكانية وعبقرية هذا القائد ونجاحه في عاصفة الصحراء الا انه سوف الحقائق كثيراً والبس العراق ثوب الشيطان ليبرر لدولته سبب الحرب ويكسبها الشرعية
واهم من يظن ان امريكا عبرت المحيطات لتحرير الكويت وتحرير شعبها
امريكا استغلت حرب العراق لتثبيت اقدامها في الشرق الاوسط ومراقبة النفط الذي يتدفق من اباره ويباع بما يعادله من الدولار خصوصا بعد برتن وودز
يظهر هذه القائد حقده على الجيش العراقي والحرس الجمهوري بالتحديد ورغبته بتجريد وتدمير القوة العسكرية العراقية وانهاءها ويتكلم عن الانسان وقد اباد الارتال المنسحبة وقتل الاف الارواح
استقوت امريكا بتحالفها على العراق في محاولة لاستعادة المجد لمؤسستها العسكرية بعد اهانة فيتنام
واخيرا المجد والخلود لشهداء جيش العراق الباسل
والخزي والعار لمن تأمر
واهم من يظن ان امريكا عبرت المحيطات لتحرير الكويت وتحرير شعبها
امريكا استغلت حرب العراق لتثبيت اقدامها في الشرق الاوسط ومراقبة النفط الذي يتدفق من اباره ويباع بما يعادله من الدولار خصوصا بعد برتن وودز
يظهر هذه القائد حقده على الجيش العراقي والحرس الجمهوري بالتحديد ورغبته بتجريد وتدمير القوة العسكرية العراقية وانهاءها ويتكلم عن الانسان وقد اباد الارتال المنسحبة وقتل الاف الارواح
استقوت امريكا بتحالفها على العراق في محاولة لاستعادة المجد لمؤسستها العسكرية بعد اهانة فيتنام
واخيرا المجد والخلود لشهداء جيش العراق الباسل
والخزي والعار لمن تأمر
January 4, 2024
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.
April 20, 2018
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.
The book is clearly written and contains great pictures and maps that allow the reader to follow the vivid descriptions even closer.
June 19, 2022
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.
January 15, 2023
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews