Appointment of Colin L. Powell as Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

The President today announced his intention to name Lt. Gen. Colin L. Powell, U.S. Army, currently Commanding General, Headquarters Fifth Corps, Frankfurt, Federal Republic of Germany, to serve as the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.

Prior to his current duties, General Powell was the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, 1983-1986; and he was Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Combined Arms Combat Development Activity, Fort Leavenworth, KS, 1982-1983. In 1981-1982 he was Assistant Division Commander for Operations and Training, 4th Infantry Division (Mech) at Fort Carson, CO. From January through May of 1981, he served as senior military assistant to then Deputy Secretary of Defense Frank C. Carlucci. His previous posts include Commander, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY, 1976-1977; and Commander, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry, 2d Infantry Division, Korea, 1973-1974. General Powell served two tours in Vietnam, 1963-1964 and 1968-1969; and he was a White House fellow, 1972-1973.

General Powell graduated from City College of New York (B.S., 1958) and the George Washington University (M.B.A., 1971). His many decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and Purple Heart. He is married to the former Alma Johnson, has three children, and was born in New York City.