December 1, 1988
The President today announced his intention to nominate Lt. Gen. Colin L. Powell, United States Army, to the grade of general in conjunction with his assignment as commander in chief, Forces Command, Fort McPherson, GA.
Lieutenant General Powell has been Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs since November 1987. Prior to this he served as Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. General Powell was commanding general, V Corps, Frankfurt, Federal Republic of Germany, June through December 1986. From 1983 to 1986, he served as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. From 1982 to 1983, he was deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Combat Development Activity at Fort Leavenworth, KS. General Powell was assistant division commander, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, CO, 1981 - 1982. He served as Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, 1979 - 1981.
General Powell graduated from the City College of New York (B.S., 1958) and George Washington University (M.B.A., 1971). His many military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Soldier's Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart. General Powell was born April 5, 1937, in New York, NY. He is married and has three children.