Rising Star: The "Jacked Gorilla" General Advising Trump on Iran
A war hero and outstanding strategic mind, Michael "Erik" Kurilla has been given broad authority to shape America's response to the Israel-Iran conflict.
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by Cameron Henderson
June 20, 2025
“Shots fired!” shouted Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla moments before charging towards the sound of gunfire to save two junior officers.
Weaving through the rubble-strewn alleyways of war-torn Mosul, Iraq, the then-lieutenant colonel was pursuing a group of terrorist suspects when three more shots rang out.
Taking bullets to the arm and both legs, one snapping his femur in half, he “performed a judo roll” and carried on firing his rifle, witnesses say. As the gunfire continued, he covered his troops and reeled off orders while bleeding on the concrete floor.
Nearly 20 years later, Gen. Kurilla, who was awarded a Bronze Star for valour and now heads the US military Central Command (CENTCOM), is once again leading the fight in the Middle East — this time against Iran.
Known to be Israel’s favorite U.S. general and nicknamed “The Gorilla”, Gen. Kurilla is understood to have been given unusual levels of authority by Pete Hegseth, the U.S. defense secretary, to determine the American response to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
The 59-year-old has apparently overruled other top Pentagon officials in managing the crisis and has had nearly all his requests approved for more weapons and air defences for the region.
So who is Erik Kurilla?