General Franks was my first Squadron Commander when I was a new 2LT Platoon Leader in the 1/3 ACR. Later he was the 11th ACR Commander when I was in the 3/11 ACR. He was/is the epitome of true leadership. When I was training for tank gunnery at Ft. Bliss inside the tank (dropping the breech block), I looked up and Franks was sitting on top of the tank watching me. When my Platoon finished the night run on Table 8 gunnery (my tank was top gun and Platoon was top Platoon), Franks was there at 0400 shaking everyone’s hand and handing out cigars. One night at Dona Ana range barracks, Franks walked in and sat on the floor next to me. SSG Ross (who had caught a rattlesnake and placed it in a bag under his cot) shouted out that his snake had escaped. I jumped up on top of a cot, looked over to Franks who was standing on his peg leg with his good leg up in the air. Franks said, “he isn’t going to get my good one.” Later, in the 11th ACR, I had submitted my resignation (because of the BS occurring before Franks’s arrival), to then Col. Franks. He took the time to talk to me at length and he gave me very good advice. He was my role model throughout my career. I was not surprised he made four stars.
I am also from Gen Franks' neck of the woods. I served under him in Vii Corps during Desert Storm and then had the privilege of meeting him and participating in the Desert Storm welcome home parade in Reading, PA. I actually invited him to my wedding, which was the day after the parade, but he wasn't able to make it. He's a very humble but professional man. Glad to call him a fellow Berks Countian.
I used to run PT with then Col. Franks every morning in Fulda, West Germany. An outstanding leader as were all of the officers and NCO's I served with there.
A retired military officer told me one day.. that the highest praise & accolade that an officer or n c o could recieve was the respect, admiration & affection of his subordinates! HE told me that was more important than decorations & promotions. After being around this man for quite awile I believed him. I think general Frank's falls into that catergorie!
just finished General's book, incredible picture of what the Corps did and how difficult it was and how successful they were, very proud of the military.
I was then Col. Franks pilot when he commanded the 11th ACR in Fulda, Germany. I remember one time we were flying into, if I remember correctly, Grafenwoehr. It had been raining for weeks and the training area was a mud mess. As I was preparing to land I heard the colonel say "this is the way you put on a boot" I looked back and he had taken his leg off and was stuffing it in his rubber boot. I truly enjoyed flying him around. There was no better commander to work for.
my father used to jog w him in '75 / '76. Franks an amputee, would occasionally need a break to massage his stub when it would hurt. they must have crossed paths 2.5 times incl West Point baseball, the point 5 desert storm.
All due respect to the Officer corps, but why is it that in this series about the Gulf War, why no interviews with Enlisted or NCO's? I mean we had a MASIVE part in this ass kicking and we have our stories also..
you guys are appreciated. Genl Franks gives a lot of credit to NCOs for their help in his development. NCOs run the Army. and train Lts who beome Capts, etc
Got chewed out politely by then Col. Franks for not notifying the SDO that Gen. Schwarzkopf drove on to post in Fulda while I was on the frontgate in 1984. He gave me my Commander of the Relief and Corporal the next day as extra punishment.
it probably took all 3, Franks, Schwarzkopf and Powell. and all 3 did their job, well. Schwarzkopf might be remembered for that press conference, a Barbara Walters interview or a book that sold millions of copies. but, you've got to admit there was some genius there. swift and w minimum casualties
The late LTG Calvin Waller was an unsung hero. He was appointed by GEN Colin Powell to be Schwarzkopf's deputy, but in a larger way someone who ran interference, and acted as a buffer between Stormin Norman & his staff. GEN S was known to have an incredibly explosive temper, and most of the CENTCOM staff were in constant fear. LTG Waller ironed out 'bad news' before it got to the CinC. He was also known to kick GEN S in the leg at meetings when the CinC's temper started to rise. Fred Franks & Cal Waller butted heads a few times I might add.
