Leo A. Brooks, Sr.
| Leo A. Brooks, Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born |
August 9, 1932 Alexandria, Virginia |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1984 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held |
Defense Personnel Support Center Army Troop Support Agency 13th Corps Support Command Sacramento Army Depot |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Army Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star Meritorious Service Medal Joint Service Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal |
| Relations |
Brigadier General Leo A. Brooks, Jr. (son) General Vincent K. Brooks (son) |
Leo A. Brooks, Sr. (born August 9, 1932) is a retired major general of the United States Army who later became city manager of Philadelphia.
Military career
Brooks was born in Alexandria, Virginia on August 9, 1932. He graduated from Virginia State University in 1954 and received his commission in the Army Quartermaster Corps as a Distinguished Graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
In his early assignments, Brooks served as a platoon leader with the 2nd Infantry Division in Alaska and commanded two companies. His also served in the office of the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, G-4, as a budget liaison to the United States Congress.
He served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, one as an advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and one as a battalion commander. He received a master's degree in financial management from George Washington University, and his later assignments included command of the Sacramento Army Depot, 13th Corps Support Command, Army Troop Support Agency, and Defense Personnel Support Center. Brooks retired from the military in 1984. Since he retired before serving three years as a major general, he was retired as a brigadier general.
His military education includes the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the National War College.
Brooks's awards include: the Army Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; and Army Commendation Medal.
Later career
As Philadelphia's city manager he was involved in the 1985 raid and bombing of the communal headquarters of the black liberation organization MOVE. Brooks resigned from his position 10 days after the bombing; three years later, a Philadelphia grand jury cleared Brooks and others of all criminal liability.[1][2]
Family
Brooks is the father of three children, including two sons who reached the ranks of general officers in the United States Army – General Vincent K. Brooks and Brigadier General (Retired) Leo A. Brooks Jr.. His daughter Marquita K. Brooks is an attorney. In addition, his brother Francis was a longtime member of the Vermont House of Representatives who rose to the position of majority leader. After serving in the House, Francis Brooks served for several years as the Sergeant at Arms of the Vermont State House.
References
- ↑ Stevens, William K. (May 4, 1988). "Grand Jury Clears Everyone In Fatal Philadelphia Siege". New York Times. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ↑ Broder, John M (April 4, 2003). "A NATION AT WAR: THE SPOKESMAN; Sober Replies to Speculative Questions". New York Times. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
External links
- Major General Leo A. Brooks, Sr. (ret.), is the first African American Army General with two sons who have. attained the rank of General.
- Gen. Vincent Brooks Is ‘Drafted’ Into Another Top Job
- INTERVIEW: General Leo Brooks, West Point Commandant
- Army Salutes Its Black Veterans
- Service is Family Tradition for Army Brig. Gen. Brooks, Spokesman for Iraqi War
- Biography, Major General Leo A. Brooks, Sr. at The History Makers