A Soldier's Story: Major General Harry W. Brooks



Major General Harry W. Brooks was born on May 17, 1928, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, General Brooks was also active in ROTC during high school and, after his graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army.

While advancing up the ranks (he had initially enlisted as a Private), he also earned a Bachelors's degree from the University of Nebraska and a Masters's degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Major General Harry W Brooks's career, like General Fox Conner, is noted for his mentorship. Major General Brooks took many soldiers, including Collin Powell, under his wing. The commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division ordered more than 10,000 soldiers to return to school to finish their educations.

Major General Harry W. Brooks also co-authored The Gathering Storm: An Analysis of Racial Instability Within the Army.

After his retirement in 1976, Major General Harry W. Brooks focused on corporate achievement. His company, Advanced Consumer Marketing Corp, was noted as the Department of Commerce Minority Business Enterprise of 1989 and the Black Enterprise Company of the Year 1990.

His civilian life also included many service hours, as he was an active Rotarian, Mason, and Shriner.

Major General Harry W. Brooks died on August 28, 2017, and rests in Arlington Cemetery.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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Location: Indianapolis, IN, USA

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