(born 1937) Awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and other accolades for his service in Vietnam, Powell entered the national spotlight as Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1991 under President Bush for his role in the Gulf War. The first African American and youngest person to serve in that position, Powell retired in 1993. Considered a top contender in the 1996 presidential election, Powell declined to run. His 1995 autobiography My American Journey was a bestseller. Dedicated to helping young people, he became the Chairperson of America’s Promise: The Alliance for Youth.