My American Journey by Colin L Powell

My American Journey by Colin L Powell

A great American success story . . . an endearing and well-written book.--The New York Times Book Review

Colin Powell is the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in Harlem to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He knew the rough life of the streets. He overcame a barely average start at school. Then he joined the Army. The rest is history--Vietnam, the Pentagon, Panama, Desert Storm--but a history that until now has been known only on the surface. Here, for the first time, Colin Powell himself tells us how it happened, in a memoir distinguished by a heartfelt love of country and family, warm good humor, and a soldier's directness.

My American Journey is the powerful story of a life well lived and well told. It is also a view from the mountaintop of the political landscape of America. At a time when Americans feel disenchanted with their leaders, General Powell's passionate views on family, personal responsibility, and, in his own words, the greatness of America and the opportunities it offers inspire hope and present a blueprint for the future. An utterly absorbing account, it is history with a vision.

Praise for My American Journey

The stirring, only-in-America story of one determined man's journey from the South Bronx to directing the mightiest of military forces . . . Fascinating.--The Washington Post Book World

Eloquent.--Los Angeles Times Book Review

Profound and moving . . . Must reading for anyone who wants to reaffirm his faith in the promise of America.--Jack Kemp, The Wall Street Journal

A book that is much like its subject--articulate, confident, impressive, but unpretentious and witty. . . . Whether you are a political junkie, a military buff, or just interested in a good story, My American Journey is a book well worth reading.--San Diego Union Tribune

Colin Powell's candid, introspective autobiography is a joy for all with an appetite for well-written political and social commentary.--The Detroit News

General Colin L. Powell is one of the most well-known characters in American politics. Both President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton appointed Powell as the twelfth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was a key architect of Desert Storm, the spectacular Allied victory in the Gulf War, which began in January 1991 and lasted 43 days. General Powell was born in New York City in 1937 and raised in the South Bronx by his parents, who were Jamaican immigrants. He grew up in the New York City public school system and graduated from City College of New York in 1958 with a commission as an army second lieutenant.

General Powell was stationed in Germany and a number of positions in the United States early in his career, and he served two tours in Vietnam, in 1962-1963 and 1968-1969. From 1973 to 1974, he served as a battalion commander in Korea, and afterwards led the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the V Corps in Germany. In January 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed General Powell as Deputy National Security Advisor, then in December 1987, he was named National Security Advisor, a position he held until January 1989. From October 1989 until his retirement on September 30, 1993, he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

General Powell has received various awards from the United States. He received numerous military and civilian medals for his public service, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he received twice. Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela have all honored him, and the Queen of England has given him an honorary knighthood (Knight Commanders of Bath). This is an excerpt from the Hardcover edition.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780345407283
ISBN 10	0345407288
Title	My American Journey
Author	Colin L Powell
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Random House USA Inc
Year published	1996-06-30
Number of pages	644
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.