Paul F. Gorman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul F. Gorman
|
|
---|---|
![]() General Paul Francis Gorman, United States Army
|
|
Birth name | Paul Francis Gorman |
Born | Syracuse, New York, U.S. |
25 August 1927
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/ |
![]() |
Years of service | 1950-1985 |
Rank | ![]() |
Commands held | United States Southern Command |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Air Medal Army Commendation Medal Purple Heart Combat Infantryman Badge |
Paul Francis Gorman, born on August 25, 1927, is a retired United States Army general. A general is a very high-ranking officer in the army. He was in charge of the United States Southern Command (USCINCSO) from 1983 to 1985. This command looks after military operations in Central and South America.
Contents
Early Life and Start of His Career
Paul Francis Gorman was born in Syracuse, New York, on August 25, 1927. He started his military journey in the United States Navy as an enlisted sailor. Later, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1950.
What a General Does
A general in the U.S. Army is a top leader. They are responsible for planning and leading large groups of soldiers. General Gorman's role as Commander in Chief of the United States Southern Command meant he oversaw military activities and relationships in a large area, including countries in Central and South America.
After His Military Service
After a long career, General Gorman retired in 1985. He and his wife, Ruth, moved to their farm called Cardinal Point in Afton, Virginia. There, they started raising cattle and growing wine grapes.
He also continued to work as a consultant for important groups like the Institute for Defense Analyses. He served on three special commissions for the White House. These commissions looked into important topics like organized crime and how the military is managed.
General Gorman also works as a research assistant professor at the University of Virginia's Health Sciences Center. He studies how information technology can be used in health care. Paul and Ruth Gorman have two sons and one daughter.
Awards and Honors
General Paul Gorman received many important awards for his service and bravery. Here are some of them:
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest award for bravery in combat.
The Silver Star is given for acts of courage in battle.
The Legion of Merit recognizes outstanding service and achievements.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is for heroism or amazing achievement while flying.
The Bronze Star is awarded for heroic acts or brave service in a combat zone.
The Purple Heart is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed in action.
The Air Medal is for heroic or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight.
The Army Commendation Medal is for heroic acts or meritorious service.
The Combat Infantryman Badge shows that an infantry soldier has fought in ground combat.