History of Colin Powell in Timeline

Colin Powell (1937-2021) was a prominent American statesman and four-star general. He served as the 65th U.S. Secretary of State (2001-2005), the first African American to hold that position. Previously, he was National Security Advisor (1987-1989) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993), the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. Powell's career was marked by his involvement in major foreign policy decisions and military operations from the Reagan to the George W. Bush administrations, though his presentation to the UN Security Council in 2003 regarding Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction remains controversial.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

April 5, 1937: Colin Powell's Birth

On April 5, 1937, Colin Luther Powell was born. He later became an American diplomat and army officer.

1937: Birth in New York City

In 1937, Colin Powell was born in New York City to Jamaican immigrant parents. He was raised in the South Bronx.

1954: Graduation from Morris High School

In 1954, Colin Powell graduated from Morris High School.

1958: Commissioned as Second Lieutenant

In 1958, Colin Powell graduated from City College of New York and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

1958: Bachelor of Science Degree

In 1958, Colin Powell received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the City College of New York.

1960: Group Liaison Officer

From 1960, Colin Powell served as group liaison officer, company executive officer, and commander of Company A, 1st Battle Group, 4th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

August 1962: Colin Powell Marries Alma Johnson

On August 25, 1962, Colin Powell married Alma Johnson.

1962: Vietnam Tour as Advisor

From 1962, Captain Colin Powell served a tour in Vietnam as a South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) advisor.

1962: Group Liaison Officer

Until 1962, Colin Powell served as group liaison officer, company executive officer, and commander of Company A, 1st Battle Group, 4th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

1963: Wounded in Vietnam

In 1963, while on patrol in Vietnam, Colin Powell was wounded after stepping on a punji stake, shortening his first tour.

1968: My Lai Massacre Investigation

In 1968, Colin Powell investigated a letter alleging the My Lai massacre. His assessment was later criticized as a whitewash.

1968: Return to Vietnam

In 1968, Colin Powell returned to Vietnam as a major and served as assistant chief of staff of operations for the 23rd (Americal) Infantry Division. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal for bravery after rescuing three others from a helicopter crash.

1971: Master of Business Administration Degree

In 1971, Colin Powell earned a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

1971: MBA from George Washington University

In 1971, Colin Powell graduated from George Washington University with an MBA.

1972: White House Fellowship

From 1972, Colin Powell served a White House Fellowship under President Richard Nixon.

1973: U.S. Support for Chilean Coup d'état

In 1973, Powell was critical of U.S. foreign policy regarding its support for the Chilean coup d'état that deposed Salvador Allende.

1973: End of White House Fellowship

Until 1973, Colin Powell served a White House Fellowship under President Richard Nixon.

1975: Attended National War College

From 1975, Colin Powell attended the National War College, Washington, D.C.

1976: Command of 2nd Brigade

From 1976, Colin Powell commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.

1976: Attended National War College

Until 1976, Colin Powell attended the National War College, Washington, D.C.

1977: Command of 2nd Brigade

Until 1977, Colin Powell commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.

June 1979: Promotion to Brigadier General

On June 1, 1979, Colin Powell was promoted to brigadier general.

July 1980: Effort to Upgrade Roy Benavidez's Medal

In July 1980, a soldier learned of the effort to upgrade Roy Benavidez's medal and provided the necessary sworn statement.

December 1980: Approval of Medal of Honor Upgrade

In December 1980, the upgrade of Roy Benavidez's medal to the Medal of Honor was approved, after Colin Powell advised President Ronald Reagan to present it.

1983: Invasion of Grenada

In 1983, as senior military assistant to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, Powell assisted during the invasion of Grenada.

November 1985: Legal Assessment of Hawk Missile Transfer

In November 1985, Colin Powell solicited and delivered a legal assessment to Weinberger stating that the transfer of Hawk missiles to Israel or Iran, without Congressional notification, would be a clear violation of the law.

November 1986: Exposure of Iran-Contra Affair

In November 1986, the Iran-Contra affair was exposed in a Lebanese magazine, "Ash-Shiraa", revealing the unlawful transfer of missiles from Israel to Iran.

1986: Command of V Corps

In 1986, Colin Powell took command of V Corps in Frankfurt, Germany.

1987: National Security Advisor

From 1987, at the age of 49, Colin Powell became Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor.

April 1989: Promotion to Four-Star General

In April 1989, Colin Powell was promoted to four-star general under President George H. W. Bush and served as Commander in Chief, Forces Command (FORSCOM).

October 1989: Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman

In October 1989, Colin Powell was appointed as the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, the highest military position in the United States Department of Defense.

October 1989: Appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In October 1989, Colin Powell was assigned as the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking the beginning of his tenure in the highest military position in the Department of Defense.

1989: Commander of U.S. Army Forces Command

In 1989, Colin Powell became the commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

1989: End of Term as National Security Advisor

In 1989, Colin Powell finished his term as Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor.

1989: National Security Advisor & Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In 1989, Colin Powell finished his term as the 15th National Security Advisor and also became the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

1989: Chief of Staff

In 1989, Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson becomes Powell's aide-de-camp and Chief of Staff.

1989: Opening of Lincoln Quote

In 1989, after becoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell opened a note that had been taped to the back of a framed quotation by President Abraham Lincoln that was given to him in 1979 when he was promoted to brigadier general. The note contained a prediction that Powell would become Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

1990: Operation Desert Storm

In 1990, Colin Powell oversaw Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War against Iraq.

1990: Honorary Doctorate

In 1990, Colin Powell received an honorary Doctor of Public Service from George Washington University.

1991: Operation Desert Storm

In 1991, Colin Powell continued to oversee Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War against Iraq.

1991: Application of the Powell Doctrine in Operation Desert Storm

In 1991, Powell applied his military approach, known as the Powell Doctrine, to Operation Desert Storm. This approach emphasized maximizing the potential for success and minimizing casualties through the use of overwhelming force.

1992: Potential Vice Presidential Nominee

In 1992, Powell was considered as a potential Democratic vice presidential nominee or even a replacement for Vice President Dan Quayle as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

September 1993: End of Tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In September 1993, Colin Powell's assignment as the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff concluded, ending his service in the highest military position in the Department of Defense.

September 1993: End of Term as Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman

In September 1993, Colin Powell's assignment as the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman came to an end.

September 1993: Early Resignation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In September 1993, Powell's growing irritation towards Secretary of Defense Leslie Aspin led to his early resignation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

October 1993: Battle of Mogadishu

In October 1993, shortly after Powell's resignation, the Battle of Mogadishu took place. The aim of the operation was to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid, but it ended in disaster.

1993: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In 1993, Colin Powell finished his term as the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

1995: Becomes a Moderate Republican

From 1995, Colin Powell was a moderate Republican.

1995: Published Autobiography

In 1995, Colin Powell wrote his autobiography, "My American Journey".

My American Journey

Check it on Amazon

1995: Declared Republican

In 1995, Powell declared himself a Republican and began campaigning for Republican candidates.

1996: Decline to Run for President

In 1996, despite leading New Hampshire polls for the GOP nomination, Powell declined to run for president, citing a lack of passion for politics.

1997: Founding of America's Promise and Establishment of The Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service

In 1997, Powell founded America's Promise to help children from all socioeconomic sectors and The Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service to prepare new generations of publicly engaged leaders.

December 2000: Nomination for Secretary of State

In December 2000, President-elect George W. Bush named Colin Powell as his nominee to be Secretary of State in a ceremony at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

2000: Consideration as Presidential Candidate and Endorsement of George W. Bush

In 2000, Powell was mentioned as a potential candidate in the U.S. presidential election but decided against running. He later endorsed George W. Bush for president and spoke at the Republican National Convention.

2000: Statement about Saddam Hussein's Regime

In 2000, on the day he was nominated to be Secretary of State, Colin Powell told the press that Saddam Hussein was "sitting on a failed regime that is not going to be around in a few years time".

January 2001: Confirmation as Secretary of State

In January 2001, Powell was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Secretary of State and ceremonially sworn in.

February 2001: Statement on Sanctions Against Iraq

In February 2001, Powell stated that sanctions against Iraq had prevented the development of any weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein.

April 2001: Hainan Island Incident

In April 2001, a United States US EP-3 surveillance aircraft collided with a Chinese Shenyang J-8 jet fighter over the South China Sea. Powell's expression of "very sorry" was accepted as sufficient for the formal apology that China had sought.

September 2001: Response to 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

In September 2001, during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Powell was in Lima, Peru. Afterward, his role became critical in managing relationships with foreign countries to secure a stable coalition in the War on Terrorism.

2001: Secretary of State

In 2001, Colin Powell became the 65th United States Secretary of State, and was the first African-American to hold the office.

2001: Michael Powell Becomes FCC Chairman

In 2001, Colin Powell's son, Michael Powell, became the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

2001: Appointment as Secretary of State

In 2001, George W. Bush appointed Powell as Secretary of State, beginning his tenure in the Bush administration.

2001: Disagreement on Action Against al-Qaeda

In 2001, before 9/11, Richard A. Clarke pushed the Bush administration for action against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, a move opposed by Paul Wolfowitz.

February 2003: Address to the United Nations Security Council

In February 2003, Powell addressed the United Nations Security Council, arguing in favor of military action against Iraq, asserting that Saddam Hussein had biological weapons and was working to obtain key components to produce nuclear weapons.

February 2003: United Nations Presentation

Powell gave a presentation to the UN in February 2003, making the case for military action against Iraq. He later said that the sources who provided much of the information in the presentation were "wrong" and that it was "unlikely" that any stockpiles of WMDs would be found.

2003: Controversy Surrounding UN Speech and Faulty Intelligence

In 2003, Intense debate went on behind the scenes regarding what to include in Powell's speech. Claims based on faulty intelligence, such as the yellowcake forgery, were left in the speech. The administration faced criticism for acting on faulty intelligence, particularly that which was single-sourced to the informant known as Curveball.

2003: Attribution of Iraq War to Neoconservative Beliefs

In 2003, Powell attributed the decision to go to war in Iraq to the neoconservative belief that regime change in Baghdad was a necessary stop on the road to peace in Jerusalem.

2003: Timing of U.S. Forces in Iraq Surge

In 2003, Powell concluded that a surge of U.S. forces in Iraq should have come sooner, perhaps in late 2003.

2003: Role in Building the Case for the 2003 Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Powell played a role in building the case for the invasion of Iraq.

2003: Comments on the 1973 Chilean Coup

In 2003, Powell stated that the U.S. support for the 1973 Chilean coup d'état was not a part of American history that the United States is proud of.

2003: Support for Decision to Invade Iraq

In 2003, Powell supported the decision to invade Iraq.

May 2004: Comments on My Lai

In May 2004, Colin Powell commented on the My Lai massacre to Larry King, stating that such horrible things happen in war but are still to be deplored.

September 2004: Powell Describes Darfur Events as Genocide

In September 2004, Colin Powell labeled the events in Darfur as "genocide," making him the first cabinet member to use the term for an ongoing conflict.

September 2004: Testimony Before Senate Committee

In September 2004, Powell testified before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, acknowledging that the sources who provided much of the information in his February 2003 UN presentation were "wrong" and that it was "unlikely" that any stockpiles of WMDs would be found.

November 2004: Resignation as Secretary of State

In November 2004, Colin Powell resigned from his position as Secretary of State shortly after George W. Bush was reelected, after Bush communicated his desire for Powell to resign via a phone call. Condoleezza Rice was nominated as his successor the following day.

2004: Comments on Neoconservatives

In 2004, Colin Powell reportedly referred to neoconservatives within the Bush administration as "fucking crazies" in a conversation with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

2004: Resignation as Secretary of State

In 2004, Colin Powell resigned from his position as Secretary of State after George W. Bush was reelected.

2004: Inaccurate Evidence for Weapons of Mass Destruction

In 2004, a report concluded that the evidence Powell offered to support the allegation that the Iraqi government possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) was inaccurate.

April 2005: Expresses Reservations About John Bolton Nomination

In April 2005, after retiring from his role as Secretary of State, Colin Powell privately expressed reservations to Republican senators Lincoln Chafee and Chuck Hagel about the nomination of John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations, but did not explicitly advise them to oppose Bolton.

April 2005: Accusations of Campaign Against Bolton

On April 28, 2005, an opinion piece claimed that Powell was "conducting a campaign" against Bolton due to past disagreements, including Bolton allegedly spying on Powell.

September 2005: Criticizes Response to Hurricane Katrina

In September 2005, Colin Powell criticized the response to Hurricane Katrina, suggesting that thousands of people, primarily the poor, were not adequately protected.

September 2005: Regret over UN Speech

In September 2005, during an interview, Powell referred to his 2003 UN speech as a "blot" on his record, expressing pain and regret.

2005: End of term as Secretary of State

In 2005, Colin Powell finished his term as the 65th United States Secretary of State.

2005: Michael Powell ends term as FCC Chairman

In 2005, Colin Powell's son, Michael Powell, ended his term as the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

January 2006: Participates in White House Meeting

On January 5, 2006, Colin Powell participated in a White House meeting with former Secretaries of Defense and State to discuss United States foreign policy with Bush administration officials.

September 2006: Sides with Senate Republicans on Detainee Rights

In September 2006, Colin Powell sided with moderate Senate Republicans, supporting more rights for detainees and opposing President Bush's terrorism bill, expressing concerns about the moral basis of the fight against terrorism.

September 2006: Expresses Opposition to Military Tribunals

In a September 2006 letter to John McCain, Colin Powell voiced his opposition to President Bush's push for military tribunals of enemy combatants, objecting to redefining Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention.

December 2006: Expresses Skepticism About Iraq Troop Surge

In December 2006, Colin Powell expressed skepticism about the strategy of the Iraq War troop surge and questioned whether the U.S. military had enough troops to carry it out successfully.

2007: Discusses Iraq War with President Bush

At the 2007 Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, Colin Powell stated that he had spent two and a half hours explaining to President Bush "the consequences of going into an Arab country and becoming the occupiers".

2007: Concerns about Accusations Against Jewish Groups

In 2007, An article expressed fears that Jewish groups would be accused of driving America into a war with Iran and quoted JINSA's executive director as "surprised" Powell "would single out a Jewish group when naming those who supported the war".

2007: Joins Revolution Health Board

In 2007, Colin Powell joined the board of directors of Steve Case's new company, Revolution Health and also served on the Council on Foreign Relations Board of directors.

2007: Position on Iraq War Troop Surge

In 2007, Powell had an inconsistent position on the Iraq War troop surge.

2007: Donates to John McCain's Campaign

In the summer of 2007, Colin Powell donated the maximum allowable amount to John McCain's campaign.

October 2008: Praises Iraq Troop Surge and Iraqi Government

Following his endorsement of Barack Obama in October 2008, Colin Powell praised General David Petraeus and U.S. troops, as well as the Iraqi government, concluding that "it's starting to turn around".

October 2008: Endorses Barack Obama for President

On October 19, 2008, Colin Powell announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for President, citing his ability to inspire, inclusive campaign, and style, while also questioning McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as vice president.

December 2008: Reiterates Belief About Palin's Impact on Republican Party

In a December 12, 2008, interview, Colin Powell reiterated his belief that during the last few months of the campaign, Sarah Palin pushed the Republican party further to the right and had a polarizing impact on it.

2008: Spokesperson for National Mentoring Month

In 2008, Colin Powell served as a spokesperson for National Mentoring Month, a campaign held each January to recruit volunteer mentors for at-risk youth.

2008: Reiterates Support for 2003 Iraq Invasion

In a 2008 interview on CNN, Colin Powell reiterated his support for the 2003 decision to invade Iraq in the context of his endorsement of Barack Obama.

2008: Mentioned as Possible Running Mate for McCain

In early 2008, Colin Powell's name was listed as a possible running mate for Republican nominee John McCain's bid during the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

July 2009: Expresses Concern Over Federal Spending

In a July 2009 CNN interview, Colin Powell expressed concern over President Obama increasing the size of the federal government and the size of the federal budget deficit.

September 2009: Advises Against Surge in Afghanistan

In September 2009, Colin Powell advised President Obama against surging U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

2009: Concludes U.S. Forces in Iraq Surge Should Have Come Sooner

By mid-2009, Colin Powell concluded that a surge of U.S. forces in Iraq should have come sooner, perhaps in late 2003.

January 2010: Supports Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy

In January 2010, Colin Powell supported the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

September 2010: Criticizes Obama Administration's Focus on Economy

In September 2010, Colin Powell criticized the Obama administration for not focusing "like a razor blade" on the economy and job creation.

2010: Joins Smithsonian Advisory Council

In 2010, Colin Powell joined the Smithsonian advisory council and was an advocate for the National Museum of African American History and Culture with his wife, Alma Powell.

November 2011: Acknowledges Sound Decisions by Obama

In a video that aired on CNN.com in November 2011, Colin Powell said in reference to Barack Obama, "many of his decisions have been quite sound. The financial system was put back on a stable basis".

October 2012: Endorses Obama for Re-Election

On October 25, 2012, Colin Powell endorsed President Obama for re-election, citing his administration's success and Mitt Romney's changing positions and economic plans.

2012: Published Book

In 2012, Colin Powell published another book titled, "It Worked for Me: Lessons in Life and Leadership".

It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership

Check it on Amazon

2012: Powell comments on Benghazi attack controversy

In 2012, commenting on the Benghazi attack controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton, Powell told then U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice, "Benghazi is a stupid witch hunt".

2013: Questions Arise Regarding Email Relationship with Romanian Diplomat

In 2013, Powell faced questions regarding his relationship with Romanian diplomat Corina Crețu after a hacked AOL email account was made public, he acknowledged a "very personal" email relationship but denied further involvement.

March 2014: Joins Salesforce.com Board of Directors

In March 2014, Salesforce.com announced that Colin Powell had joined its board of directors.

October 2015: Warns of Republican Party Move to the Fringe Right

Speaking at a Washington Ideas forum in early October 2015, Colin Powell warned that the Republican Party had begun a move to the fringe right, lessening the chances of a Republican White House in the future. He also remarked on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's statements regarding immigrants.

March 2016: Denounces Nastiness of Republican Primaries

In March 2016, Colin Powell denounced the "nastiness" of the 2016 Republican primaries during an interview, comparing the race to reality television.

August 2016: Accuses Clinton Campaign of Pinning Email Controversy on Him

In August 2016, Colin Powell accused the Hillary Clinton campaign of trying to pin her email controversy on him, clarifying that she was using the private email server before he advised her on his own practices.

September 2016: Powell's Private Email Communications Revealed

In September 2016, private emails were obtained revealing Powell's communications regarding Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, where he criticized Clinton's handling of her email scandal and the Benghazi attack controversy, stating that "Benghazi is a stupid witch hunt".

October 2016: Powell Endorses Hillary Clinton

On October 25, 2016, Powell endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, citing her qualifications while questioning those of her opponent, Donald Trump.

2016: Electoral College Votes

In 2016, during the electoral college vote count, Colin Powell received three votes for president from faithless electors from the state of Washington.

2016: Electoral Votes for President

In the 2016 United States presidential election, Colin Powell received three electoral votes from Washington state for the office of President of the United States, despite not being a candidate.

October 2019: Powell Warns GOP to Stand up to Trump

In October 2019, Powell warned that the GOP needed to "get a grip" and put the country before their party, standing up to then-president Trump rather than worrying about political fallout, citing concerns about the state of foreign policy.

June 2020: Powell Announces Support for Joe Biden

On June 7, 2020, Powell announced he would be voting for former Vice President Joe Biden in the 2020 United States presidential election.

January 2021: Powell Leaves Republican Party

In January 2021, after the attack on the Capitol building by Trump supporters, Powell told CNN: "I can no longer call myself a fellow Republican".

October 2021: Colin Powell Dies at 84

On October 18, 2021, Colin Powell, being treated for multiple myeloma, died at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 84, also having early-stage Parkinson's disease. He had been vaccinated, but his myeloma compromised his immune system.