Norman Schwarzkopf, retired US general, dies aged 78

Gen Schwarzkopf - known as Stormin'
Norman - was commander of coalition
forces in the first Gulf War in 1990-91.
The US-led coalition drove Iraqi leader
Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait.
Former US President George H W Bush
described Gen Schwarzkopf as "one of
the great military leaders of his
generation".
Gen Schwarzkopf spent his retirement in
Tampa, Florida, where he had served in
his last military assignment as
commander-in-chief of US Central
Command.
The BBC's Ben Wright in Washington said
his military success made him one of
America's most famous modern generals
although some criticised him for
negotiating ceasefire terms which
allowed Saddam Hussein to remain in
power.
President Bush, who was in office during
the first Gulf War, said he "mourned the
loss" of Gen Schwarzkopf, "one of the
great military leaders of his generation".
Mr Bush, who remains in intensive care
at the Methodist Hospital in Houston,
Texas, issued a statement, saying: "A
distinguished member of that Long Gray
Line hailing from West Point, General
Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomised the
'duty, service, country' creed that has
defended our freedom and seen this
great nation through our most trying
international crises.
"More than that, he was a good and
decent man - and a dear friend. Barbara
and I send our condolences to his wife
Brenda and his wonderful family."
US Republican Senator John McCain
tweeted that Gen Schwarzkopf was "one
of the great American heroes".
"We thank him for his service," he said.
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta also
paid tribute to the general, saying his 35
years of service had "left an indelible
imprint on the United States military and
on the country".
"His bravery during two tours in Vietnam
earned him three silver stars, and set
him on the path lead our troops into
battle in Grenada, and then to take
charge of the overall allied effort in the
first Gulf War as Commander of United
States Central Command," he said.
Gen Schwarzkopf forced Iraqi leaders to
leave Kuwait and agree a ceasefire
"General Schwarzkopf's skilled leadership
of that campaign liberated the Kuwaiti
people and produced a decisive victory
for the allied coalition. In the aftermath
of that war, General Schwarzkopf was
justly recognised as a brilliant strategist
and inspiring leader. Today, we recall
that enduring legacy and remember him
as one of the great military giants of the
20th century."
During Operation Desert Storm, Gen
Schwarzkopf famously used one of his
regular news conferences to taunt his
opponent.
"As far as Saddam Hussein being a great
military strategist, he is neither a
strategist, nor is schooled in the
operational art, nor is he a tactician, nor
is he a general, nor is he a soldier: other
than that, he's a great military man - I
want you to know that," he said.
BBC world affairs correspondent Nick
Childs said Gen Schwarzkopf's sometimes
fiery temper meant that he clashed with
subordinates and superiors alike
including the then Chairman of the US
Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Colin Powell.
Despite this and his bluff appearance, he
was smarter and more diplomatic than
many critics gave him credit for, our
correspondent adds.
After the first Gulf War Gen Schwarzkopf
became a national celebrity, but always
rejected suggestions that he run for
office himself.