Bush offers condolences for retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf - KMSP-TV

Bush offers condolences for retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf

Retired US Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. has died in Tampa, Florida at the age of 78.

Schawrzkopf, or "Stormin' Norman" as he was dubbed in the media, was the commander of coalition forces in the First Gulf War, codenamed "Operation Desert Storm".

While George H.W. Bush remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Houston's Methodist Hospital, he approved the following statement from his aides:

"Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation. A distinguished member of that Long Gray Line hailing from West Point, General Norm Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomized 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."