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George Marshall: Defender of the Republic

Forrest Reed

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George Marshall: Defender of the Republic

by David L. Roll

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39845 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	702 pages

Early Life and Military Career

George Catlett Marshall Jr. was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on December 31, 1880. His father was a lawyer and politician, and his mother was a devout Christian. Marshall attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and graduated in 1901. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and served in the Philippines during the Philippine-American War.

After the war, Marshall served in various staff positions in the United States and Europe. In 1917, he was promoted to brigadier general and commanded the 1st Infantry Division in France during World War I. Marshall's division played a key role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which helped to bring about the end of the war.

Chief of Staff of the United States Army

In 1939, Marshall was appointed Chief of Staff of the United States Army. He was responsible for overseeing the expansion of the army in preparation for World War II. Marshall also played a key role in the development of the Lend-Lease program, which provided aid to Allied countries during the war.

Under Marshall's leadership, the United States Army grew from a force of 200,000 soldiers to over 8 million soldiers. Marshall also oversaw the development of new weapons and technologies, such as the atomic bomb.

Secretary of Defense

After World War II, Marshall was appointed Secretary of Defense by President Harry S. Truman. Marshall was responsible for overseeing the demobilization of the army and the creation of the new Department of Defense.

Marshall also played a key role in the development of the Marshall Plan, which provided economic aid to Europe after the war. The Marshall Plan helped to rebuild Europe and prevent the spread of communism.

Later Life and Legacy

Marshall retired from the army in 1951. He served as a special envoy to China in 1952 and 1953. Marshall died in Washington, D.C., on October 16, 1959.

Marshall is considered one of the most important figures in American history. He was a brilliant military strategist and a wise statesman. Marshall's leadership helped to lead the United States to victory in World War II and to rebuild Europe after the war.

Awards and Honors

Marshall received numerous awards and honors for his service to his country. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his work on the Marshall Plan. Marshall was also awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star.

Legacy

Marshall's legacy is one of service and sacrifice. He was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. Marshall's leadership and vision helped to shape the course of American history.

Here are some of the most famous quotes from George Marshall:

* "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." * "The soldier's heart, the soldier's spirit, have always been our strength in war, and they must always be our strength in peace." * "We must never forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution." * "Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country."

George Marshall was a true American hero. He was a brilliant military strategist, a wise statesman, and a dedicated public servant. Marshall's leadership and vision helped to shape the course of American history.

George Marshall: Defender of the Republic

by David L. Roll

4.7 out of 5