1989 Commander-in-Chief of the Gulf War, President George Bush appointed Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was promoted to a four-star general. Powell is the first black man to hold this post in American history and the youngest chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his tenure, Powell participated in and pointed out major events such as the US invasion of Panama, the invasion of the Philippines and Somalia. 1990, under the command of Powell, the US military won the Gulf War. Because of Powell's outstanding contribution in the Gulf War, the United States Congress awarded him the highest honor award in the United States-the Gold Medal. 1On September 30, 1993, Powell retired and immediately resigned as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. From 200 1 year 1 month to 2005 1 month, he was the first black secretary of state in American history.