Tommy Frenks American general, commander-in-chief of coalition forces during the Iraq War. Date of Birth: 17.06.1945 Country: USA

Biography of Tommy Franks

Tommy Franks is an American general who served as the commander of coalition forces during the Iraq War. Born on June 17, 1945, in Vinita, Oklahoma, Franks grew up in a small town called Waurika. His parents, Ray and Rosa Franks, were farmers who struggled financially and eventually sold their farm in the early 1950s. The family moved to Midland, Texas, known for its oil industry and wealthy residents.

In Midland, Franks attended Robert E. Lee High School, which was named after a Confederate general. Although he was not an outstanding student, Franks participated in extracurricular activities such as hunting and basketball. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin, where he studied business administration. However, Franks decided to join the military and left college to pursue a career in the Army.

In 1967, Franks attended the accelerated officer training program at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and received his commission as a second lieutenant. He served in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded three times and received several military awards, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After returning from Vietnam, Franks continued his military education and eventually became a commanding officer in Germany.

In 1987, Franks was appointed as the chief of artillery for the 1st Cavalry Division, marking a significant milestone in his military career. He later served in various positions and received promotions, eventually rising to the rank of general. In 2000, he was assigned as the commander of the United States Central Command (CentCom), responsible for military operations in the Middle East.

During his tenure as CentCom commander, Franks played a crucial role in the planning and execution of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. He led the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, targeting Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces. In 2003, Franks commanded the coalition forces in the invasion of Iraq, which resulted in the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Franks faced criticism and controversy during his military career. Some accused him of being too cautious in his decision-making, while others questioned his personal conduct. However, he remained dedicated to his role and received recognition for his leadership and strategic planning.

After retiring from the military in 2003, Franks published an autobiography titled "American Soldier" and became involved in various business ventures. He continues to be recognized as a prominent figure in American military history, known for his leadership during the Iraq War and his contributions to national security.