Tommy Franks
| Tommy Franks | |
|---|---|
Franks in March 2003, during his tenure as the CENTCOM commander.
|
|
| Birth name | Tommy Ray Bentley |
| Born |
June 17, 1945 Wynnewood, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1965–2003 |
| Rank |
 General
|
| Commands held | 2nd Battalion, 78th Field Artillery 82nd Field Artillery Regiment 2nd Infantry Division Third U.S. Army U.S. Central Command |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star (5) Purple Heart (3) Air Medal (9) Army Commendation Medal Presidential Medal of Freedom Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
Persian Gulf War
Global War on Terrorism
Tommy Ray Franks (born June 17, 1945) is a retired general in the United States Army. His last Army post was as the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, overseeing U.S. military operations in a 25-country region, including the Middle East. Franks succeeded General Anthony Zinni to this position on July 6, 2000 and served until his retirement on 7 July 2003.
Franks was the U.S. general leading the attack on the Taliban in Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon in 2001. He also led the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
Franks was born Tommy Ray Bentley in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and was adopted by Ray and Lorene "Pete" Parker Franks. Franks attended Midland High School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Texas one year ahead of First Lady Laura Bush. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he was a brother of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity. He dropped out of college after two years due to subpar grades and lack of motivation. Franks decided to give himself a "jolt" and joined the United States Army.
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Wikipedia