Still, looking through the old volumes was soothing, because thinking of the past made the present seem a little less real.

Dodie Smith, 1896 – 1990
Colin Powell biography at QuotationFun

A Short Biography of Colin Powell

Author Name:

Colin Powell

Born As:

Colin Luther Powell

Other Names:

General Colin Luther Powell, KCB, MSC.

Born:

5 Apr 1937

Died:





author picture 
Army Officer and politician, Secretary of State                          
The 65th United States Secretary of State - 2001-05, serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first Jamaican American appointed to that position. As a General in the United States Army, Powell also served as Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor - 1987-1989, and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - 1989-1993, holding the latter position during the Gulf War.                                              
Mother Maud McKoy
Father  Luther Theophilus Powell
Wife Alma - one child Michael.                                              
Badges:

Combat Infantryman Badge
Expert Infantryman Badge
Ranger Tab
Parachutist Badge
Pathfinder Badge
Air Assault Badge
Presidential Service Badge
Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge

Military medals and ribbons:

Defense Distinguished Service Medal - with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
Distinguished Service Medal, Army - with Oak Leaf Cluster Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit - with Oak Leaf Cluster
Soldier's Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Air Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal - with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters Presidential Medal of Freedom - order of precedence, if worn
Presidential Citizens Medal - order of precedence, if worn National Defense Service Medal - with 1 Bronze Service Star
Vietnam Service Medal  - with 1 Silver Service Star
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon - with numeral 3

Foreign decorations:

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) - United Kingdom
Légion d'honneur - France
Meritorious Service Cross (M.S.C.) - Canada
Order of Stara Planina in the First Order - Bulgaria.
                                              
A moderate Republican, Powell is well known for his willingness to support liberal or centrist causes. He is pro-choice regarding abortion, in support of affirmative action, and in favor of "reasonable" gun control. Powell was also instrumental in the implementation of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. The policy also requires that as long as gay or bisexual men and women in the military hide their sexual orientation, commanders are not allowed to investigate their sexuality.