A Guide To The Life And Career of General Shalikashvili

To discover how a man who was born in Poland to Georgian refugees, ended up becoming a highly successful general in the United States Army, simply continue reading to learn about the fascinating life and career of General Shalikashvili.

A guide to the life and career of General Shalikashvili:

Shalikashvili was born in Poland:

Although Shalikashvili became a notable American general, Shalikashvili was born in Warsaw, Poland. On the 27th of June, 1936. Shalikashvili was born to Georgian nobility and his father Dimitri was a titled prince.

He moved to the United States with his family at age 16:

At just 16 years of age Shalikashvili and his family moved to Peoria, Illinois. Where he attended Peoria High School.

College education:

After graduating from Peoria High School, Shalikashvili went on to earn a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Bradley University. After which, Shalikashvili studied for a master’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University.

Military career:

Shalikashvili was initially drafted into the US Army in July, 1958. As he enjoyed his time as a private, he decided to apply to train at a Officer Candidate School. By 1959 he was given the rank of second lieutenant.

Peacekeeping role:

One of Shalikashvili’s career highlights was being the commander of Operation Provide Comfort, a peacekeeping role in Iraq, shortly after the Gulf War. As the commander of the operation Shalikashvili was responsible for negotiating with the Turkish government and held face to face meetings with the Iraqi military.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

In 1993, the president at the time Bill Clinton, appointed Shalikashvili as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A position which Shalikashvili held for several years, until his retirement from the United States Army.

Military awards:

Shalikashvili was a highly decorated military general and was awarded four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, an Army Distinguished Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Medal, a Joint Service Commemoration Medal, an Army Commendation Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Military retirement:

After faithfully serving the United States Army for 38 years, Shalikashvili officially retired from the United States Army in September, 1997. Just two years short of serving four decades in the military.

So if you were curious about Shalikashvili’s background and rise to success in the United States Army, hopefully you found the facts listed above useful.