Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Dies, According To Report. How Will You Remember Him?

Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the man who commanded the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991, reportedly died today. He was 78.

The Associated Press reported via The Huffington Post that an official confirmed his death in his hometown of Tampa Bay, FL. The source spoke on condition of anonymity.

Many in South Sound - particularly veterans who were stationed at what's now Joint Base Lewis-McChord - have fond memories of Schwarzkopf, nicknamed "Stormin' Norman" for his fiery temper.

We will have more on this story as it develops, but we want to ask you, Patch users, how will you remember Gen. Schwarzkopf? Tell us in the comments below.

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UPDATE: 7:27 p.m., 12/27/2012

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta issued the following statement regarding Schwarzkopf's passing:

The men and women of the Department of Defense join me in mourning the loss of General Norman Schwarzkopf, whose 35 years of service in uniform left an indelible imprint on the United States military and on the country.

The son of a decorated Army officer, General Schwarzkopf followed his father’s legacy of service by enrolling in West Point in the 1950s.

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.

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 recognized 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.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family in this time of sadness and grief.