Born in New York City. Married Alma Vivian Johnson August 25, 1962. They have a son and two daughters. Received B.S. from the City College of New York in 1958 and MBA from George Washington University in 1971.

Commissioned second lieutenant in the Army in 1958. He served in Vietnam 1962 to 1963. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He returned to Vietnam 1968 to 1969. In command of 2nd brigade 101st Airbourn Division 1976 to 1977; senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense 1979 to 1981; assistant divisional commander at Fort Carson, Colorado, 1981 to 1983; assistant to the Secretary of Defense 1983 to 1986; assigned to the 5th Corps in Europe 1986 to 1987; appointed deputy assistant to the President for national security affairs, 1967; assistant to the President for national security affairs 1987 to 1989. Appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon 1989. Retired in 1993.

In 1991 a Congressional Gold Medal was authorized to honor Powell for his service during the war in the Persian Gulf. Obverse and reverse were designed by Chester Y. Martin. Bronze copies were sold to the public in 3 inch and 1.5 inch diameter. He served as Secretary of State 2001 to 2005.

He served as Secretary of State 2001 to 2005. He died of complications from COVID-19.

bio: CBY 88; IntWW 92-93; WW 93; WWA 94, 04