How Did Colin Powell Lead The Way

Colin Powell: Lead the Way

In modern society, when we speak of American heroes, we tend to refer to those figures who have made an impact on society and have passed on. Many public figures consider General (Ret.) Colin Powell an outstanding public servant and excellent leader. In fact, during an interview with the History Network, Princeton University Professor, Evan Thomas, described Powell as “an extraordinarily impressive man in a room full of impressive people.” This paper will examine the life, leadership, and accomplishments both past and present of the retired four star general Colin Powell.

Colin L. Powell was born April 5, 1937 in Harlem, New York. Powell’s heritage stems from parents that were Jamaican immigrants. According to a biography of Colin Powell outlined by the Academy of Achievement, “Powell entered the City College of New York to study geology, and it was there, by his own account, that he found his calling when he joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps" (ROTC) (“General Colin L. Powell, USA”, n.d.). In 1962, Powell graduated from City College of New York and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the United Stated Army. Soon thereafter, Second Lieutenant Powell experienced his first

Several years later, in 1969, the newly promoted Major Powell was called upon yet again to travel across seas and serve in Vietnam. During his Vietnam assignment, Major Powell and several comrades were wounded in a helicopter crash. Major Powell demonstrated great tenacity and courage as he rescued two other soldiers from the accident. Due to his service to country and comrades, Powell has received a plethora of awards including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Soldier’s Medal. Overall, Colin Powell has received eleven distinguished military decorations as a result of his leadership