The late Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., who was born in Trenton and made his state and country proud as commander of the United States-led coalition forces in the first Persian Gulf War, would be forever honored in his home state under legislation recently introduced by Assembly Republicans Ronald S. Dancer and Rob Clifton.

“‘Stormin’ Norman was one of the greatest military heroes of our time and we want to pay our respects to a patriot who made his state and country proud on a global stage,” Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth, said. “From volunteering to serve two tours in Vietnam to driving Saddam Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait, General Schwarzkopf served courageously and honorably. This tribute would be a very proud moment for our state.”

The legislation, A-3660, would name the headquarters for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’s Affairs, the “General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr., Building.” Schwarzkopf, who was born in Trenton and grew up in Lawrenceville, died in December from pneumonia complications. He served two tours in Vietnam and earned several honors: three Silver Stars for valor, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and three Distinguished Service Medals. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and honored with decorations from France, Britain, Belgium, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

“General Schwarzkopf is an American icon whose heroic tale began in our state,” Clifton, R-Monmouth, Burlington, Middlesex and Ocean, said. “Honoring this great New Jerseyan and American will continue to remind generations of his exemplary service to our country and inspire them to love their country and serve it with a true sense of duty and honor.”

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