"Colin Powell is the most effective general officer we've had since George Marshall." H. NORMAN SCHWARZKOPF General Colin Powell embodies the fulfillment of the American Dream. Born in Harlem to a wonderfuly supportive family of Jamaican heritage, and raised in the poverty-ridden South Bronx, Powell's discipline and determination drove him to become the highest-ranking military official in the nation. Now, after 120 interviews with family, colleagues, and General Powell himself, Washington insider Howard Means traces the extraordinary life of the man behind the medals.