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General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman
Profiles the man who helped plan Allied strategy in World War II, developed the European Recovery Act, better known as the Marshall Plan, and served as ambassador to China
847 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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About the author
Ed Cray
40 books7 followersCray was a longtime freelance writer who has been published in many of the country's leading newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Cray is the author of 18 published books, including General of the Army, a biography of George C. Marshall; Chief Justice, a biography of Earl Warren; and most recently Ramblin' Man: The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie. He has organized an international Consortium for the Study of Biography.
Cray joined the School of Journalism faculty at the University of Southern California as an adjunct instructor in 1976 and is now a tenured professor.
Cray joined the School of Journalism faculty at the University of Southern California as an adjunct instructor in 1976 and is now a tenured professor.
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March 3, 2013
This book is a magnificent achievement by the author in delineating the life and career of George Marshall. He is quite possibly the third most important individual, after Churchill and Roosevelt, who are responsible for Allied victory (I deliberately omit anyone from the Soviet Union).
Marshall took an army of less than 250,000 in 1940 and expanded it, so that by war’s end, it had grown to over 8 million men. Marshall understood more than anyone the overall logistics of a modern mechanized army. This was an army, that even at the time of Pearl Harbour, had few planes and tanks. It did not have the capacity to move men and equipment across vast oceans.
The book describes the career of Marshall when he joined the army before World War I. He fought in France and we see how he listened and learned. Marshall was not a man afraid to challenge superiors – he had it out with Pershing (after which they became life long friends). And very admirably, Marshall encouraged subordinates to question him – he was not someone who wished to be surrounded by ‘yes’ men.
After the First World War Marshall had various postings through-out the U.S. and in the Philippines and China. It was only in 1939 that he became Chief of Staff.
He participated in all the major war conferences with Churchill and Roosevelt, starting with Placentia Bay off the coast of Newfoundland. Although he wanted a landing in France almost as soon as America was involved in the war this would have been a mistake. Both Roosevelt and Churchill wanted U.S. involvement to start in North Africa where the American army had a very tough initiation. Even during the invasion of Sicily and Italy in 1943 the learning curve was arduous. Only by 1944 did the Allies have the requisite troops, landing craft and airpower to force a successful landing in Normandy.
Marshall was right in resisting all of Churchill’s requests for alternate strategies like landing troops in Greece or proceeding northward in Italy to Yugoslavia. These divergences would have drained manpower and supplies from the invasion of France. Marshall always insisted that France be the first priority.
The author describes the relationships in Marshall’s long career, like Harry Hopkins, John Dill and Eisenhower.
After the war Marshall was sent by Truman on a hopeless mission to China to attempt to negotiate a truce between the Communists and the Kuomintang under Chiang Kai-shek. Why the mostly practical Truman administration thought that America could accomplish lasting peace in China illustrates how ubiquitous America thought of itself after the Second World War. America wasted billions of dollars in China (mostly to Chiang Kai-shek) during and after World War II. Unfortunately Marshall became a scapegoat for this during the ugly probing of the McCarthy period.
But Marshall was wholly correct with his program of aid to Europe which was in chaos and ruin after the war. The Soviet Union was only plundering the vast areas it had occupied. America, through the Marshall plan, helped Western Europe back on its feet. The Marshall Plan is in many ways, the reason why Western Europe is today prosperous and democratic.
Marshall was also supportive of Truman in his dismissal of MacArthur in Korea. MacArthur wanted to expand the zone of fighting in Korea to include China; both the President and the Chiefs of Staff were opposed. There could be no greater contrast between the flamboyant and eccentric MacArthur who constantly required attention and the straight-forward and un-obtrusive Marshall. Marshall’s personality is to some extent, the reason why he is today not as well known as some of the other great personas of the Second Worlds War like MacArthur, Patton, and Eisenhower.
This too, is what makes this story so important, it brings back to life a most important character in the growth of America.
Following Marshall’s career is much like witnessing the development of the U.S. He started off in a modest income family in a country that was isolated and insular. He was instrumental in bringing his country to World power status.
Marshall took an army of less than 250,000 in 1940 and expanded it, so that by war’s end, it had grown to over 8 million men. Marshall understood more than anyone the overall logistics of a modern mechanized army. This was an army, that even at the time of Pearl Harbour, had few planes and tanks. It did not have the capacity to move men and equipment across vast oceans.
The book describes the career of Marshall when he joined the army before World War I. He fought in France and we see how he listened and learned. Marshall was not a man afraid to challenge superiors – he had it out with Pershing (after which they became life long friends). And very admirably, Marshall encouraged subordinates to question him – he was not someone who wished to be surrounded by ‘yes’ men.
After the First World War Marshall had various postings through-out the U.S. and in the Philippines and China. It was only in 1939 that he became Chief of Staff.
He participated in all the major war conferences with Churchill and Roosevelt, starting with Placentia Bay off the coast of Newfoundland. Although he wanted a landing in France almost as soon as America was involved in the war this would have been a mistake. Both Roosevelt and Churchill wanted U.S. involvement to start in North Africa where the American army had a very tough initiation. Even during the invasion of Sicily and Italy in 1943 the learning curve was arduous. Only by 1944 did the Allies have the requisite troops, landing craft and airpower to force a successful landing in Normandy.
Marshall was right in resisting all of Churchill’s requests for alternate strategies like landing troops in Greece or proceeding northward in Italy to Yugoslavia. These divergences would have drained manpower and supplies from the invasion of France. Marshall always insisted that France be the first priority.
The author describes the relationships in Marshall’s long career, like Harry Hopkins, John Dill and Eisenhower.
After the war Marshall was sent by Truman on a hopeless mission to China to attempt to negotiate a truce between the Communists and the Kuomintang under Chiang Kai-shek. Why the mostly practical Truman administration thought that America could accomplish lasting peace in China illustrates how ubiquitous America thought of itself after the Second World War. America wasted billions of dollars in China (mostly to Chiang Kai-shek) during and after World War II. Unfortunately Marshall became a scapegoat for this during the ugly probing of the McCarthy period.
But Marshall was wholly correct with his program of aid to Europe which was in chaos and ruin after the war. The Soviet Union was only plundering the vast areas it had occupied. America, through the Marshall plan, helped Western Europe back on its feet. The Marshall Plan is in many ways, the reason why Western Europe is today prosperous and democratic.
Marshall was also supportive of Truman in his dismissal of MacArthur in Korea. MacArthur wanted to expand the zone of fighting in Korea to include China; both the President and the Chiefs of Staff were opposed. There could be no greater contrast between the flamboyant and eccentric MacArthur who constantly required attention and the straight-forward and un-obtrusive Marshall. Marshall’s personality is to some extent, the reason why he is today not as well known as some of the other great personas of the Second Worlds War like MacArthur, Patton, and Eisenhower.
This too, is what makes this story so important, it brings back to life a most important character in the growth of America.
Following Marshall’s career is much like witnessing the development of the U.S. He started off in a modest income family in a country that was isolated and insular. He was instrumental in bringing his country to World power status.
November 15, 2019
One of the most trite expressions of faux patriotism that is rampant in the U.S. today is when people reflexively say to soldiers or veterans, "Thank you for your service." It represents a fetish for militarism. It doesn't ask just exactly what their "service" entails. It absolves people from actually engaging in the citizenship needed make democracy function that would not send troops to war in the first place. At least that's my opinion. But George Marshall is the exception to the rule. Of all the Americans in history, I'm hard pressed to think of anyone who has given more of himself for the betterment of his nation.
Harry Truman admired George Marshall more than any other person. Cray's magnificent biography clearly explains why and why more Americans should know about and celebrate his life and legacy. His devotion to country and duty set a standard unfulfilled since George Washington and no one has come close to achieving it since.
It was because of Marshall's character that an isolationist Congress decided to build up the military in anticipation of World War II. Truman intentionally changed the name of his post-WWII plan to rebuild Europe to the Marshall Plan because he understood that this would ensure its passage. Marshall stood up to Truman when it was decided to recognize the state of Israel with no plan to integrate the existing Palestinian population, showing a prescience that haunts the world still. And Truman never forgave Eisenhower for not defending Marshall from Sen. McCarthy's scurrilous attacks during the presidential campaign of 1952.
Cray meticulously describes why Marshall should be considered one of the most important—if not the most important—American of the 20th century. A book that begs to be reread over and over again.
Harry Truman admired George Marshall more than any other person. Cray's magnificent biography clearly explains why and why more Americans should know about and celebrate his life and legacy. His devotion to country and duty set a standard unfulfilled since George Washington and no one has come close to achieving it since.
It was because of Marshall's character that an isolationist Congress decided to build up the military in anticipation of World War II. Truman intentionally changed the name of his post-WWII plan to rebuild Europe to the Marshall Plan because he understood that this would ensure its passage. Marshall stood up to Truman when it was decided to recognize the state of Israel with no plan to integrate the existing Palestinian population, showing a prescience that haunts the world still. And Truman never forgave Eisenhower for not defending Marshall from Sen. McCarthy's scurrilous attacks during the presidential campaign of 1952.
Cray meticulously describes why Marshall should be considered one of the most important—if not the most important—American of the 20th century. A book that begs to be reread over and over again.
October 31, 2022
― “In these same two years he had become the most powerful figure in the government after the president himself. No soldier since George Washington commanded such political influence and public respect as did this soldier of sober optimism.” (402)
― Ed Cray, General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman
In its bleakest hours, the United States has found exceptional people who have kept the ship of state afloat—men like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and more recently Franklin Roosevelt. In my opinion, there’s another name that can be added to that short list—George Catlett Marshall. Columnist George Will called George C. Marshall the greatest American of the 20th century. That’s quite a statement given that Franklin Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower also lived at the same time. Winston Churchill called Marshall “the true organizer of victory” in World War II. (531) Churchill further insisted that “succeeding generations must not be allowed to forget his achievements and his example.” Paul G. Hoffman, former director of the Marshall Plan in Europe said Marshall’s “record speaks for itself. It is a record of selfless devotion to his country that has been equaled by few and surpassed by no one since this Republic was founded.” (723) In announcing Marshall’s retirement, President Truman publicly described Marshall as “the greatest military man that this country had ever produced—or any other country for that matter.” (555) In an era when too many of our public leaders are more interested in their personal or special interests, and more concerned about prestige than selflessness, it is important, perhaps even necessary, to reflect upon how a man like George Marshall carried himself during the most important period in the last 100 years. His characteristics of honesty, integrity, judgment, and selfless service stand as shining examples for those who study the past and for generations to come who will learn about him in the future.
George C. Marshall’s contributions to our nation and the world cannot be overstated. As Churchill said, Marshall was the organizer of victory in World War II, but he was also the architect of peace following World War II. He’s a more-than-worthy subject of a biography. Forrest Pogue has written a definitive four-volume, 1,900 page, biography of George C. Marshall, but who can commit to such an arduous undertaking? Ed Cray has written a well written, fast paced, and highly readable narrative that clearly places Marshall, his accomplishments, and his influence within the military and political context of his times.
Marshall was deeply involved in many of the key events of the 20th century. During World War I, he served as a member of the staff of General of the Armies John J. Pershing, he served as U.S. Army Chief of Staff during War World II, as Secretary of State and the architect of European economic recovery following WWII, and as Secretary of Defense during the Korean War. He is the only person to have served in these three highest positions.
― “Marshall’s own sense of urgency increased with events in Poland. His army had languished since the 1918 armistice, starved first by a complacent Congress, then by an administration more concerned with domestic than foreign affairs. Not only was his army understrength—only four of its nine infantry divisions could muster even half the troops that tables of organization called for—it was poorly equipped.” (page 146)
― Ed Cray, General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman
As Army Chief of Staff (1939–1945) during World War II, Marshall was the most important military figure in the U.S. military establishment and played a significant role in maintaining the Anglo-American coalition. Marshall became U.S. Army Chief of Staff on September 1, 1939–the same day Germany invaded Poland and ignited World War II. He held that position until November 26, 1945. His realism and foresight were largely responsible for the mobilization and preparation of the U.S. Army in the months before Pearl Harbor. The America First isolationist pressure groups, mostly Republicans, wanted to keep America out of the war and fought to end the draft. They almost succeeded, falling one vote short in Congress just four months before Pearl Harbor. Even then, the United States was ill-prepared for war. Yet Marshall’s strategic vision helped achieve ultimate victory.
After the war, Marshall was named special ambassador to China (1945–1947), Secretary of State (1947–1949), President of the American Red Cross (1949–1950), and Secretary of Defense (1950–1951). In 1953, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role as the architect of the post-World War II European Recovery Act (also known as the Marshall Plan), which helped Western Europe get back on its feet and serve as a bulwark to contain the Soviet Union. The legacy of his ideas, actions and initiatives shaped the modern world in ways that are still felt across the globe.
― “Few seemed to realize that the address…was charting a new course in American foreign policy, summoning a generosity of spirit that would animate American foreign policy for decades to come.” (page 614)
― Ed Cray, General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman
George C. Marshall’s contributions to our nation and the world cannot be overstated. He was the organizer of victory and the architect of peace during and following World War II. His characteristics of honesty, integrity, and selfless service stand as shining examples for those who study the past and for those generations who will learn about him in the future. The Marshall Foundation is dedicated to celebrating his legacy.
Marshall’s career touched on many of the key events of the 20th century—as a new Army officer following the Philippine insurrection, as a member of the staff of General of the Armies John J. Pershing during World War I, as U.S. Army Chief of Staff during War World II, as Secretary of State and the architect of European economic recovery following WWII, and as Secretary of Defense during the Korean War. He is the only person to have served in these three highest positions.
During World War II, Marshall as Army Chief of Staff (1939–1945) was the most important military figure in the U.S. military establishment and of great significance in maintaining the Anglo-American coalition. After the war, he was named special ambassador to China (1945–1947), Secretary of State (1947–1949), President of the American Red Cross (1949–1950), and Secretary of Defense (1950–1951). In 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in proposing, encouraging legislative action, and supporting the European Recovery Program (known as the Marshall Plan). For nearly 20 years he was a major U.S. leader, militarily, politically and morally, and he is still widely admired today. The legacy of his ideas, actions and initiatives shaped the modern world in ways that are still felt across the globe.
Ed Cray’s biography of Marshall is well-researched, well written, detailed, balanced, and highly readable. It places Marshall, his actions, and his influence effectively within the political-military context of his times. In the process, readers glean insight about various leaders of the time, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and Bernard Montgomery. I think you will find it to be a comprehensive study worthy of your time.
― Ed Cray, General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman
In its bleakest hours, the United States has found exceptional people who have kept the ship of state afloat—men like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and more recently Franklin Roosevelt. In my opinion, there’s another name that can be added to that short list—George Catlett Marshall. Columnist George Will called George C. Marshall the greatest American of the 20th century. That’s quite a statement given that Franklin Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower also lived at the same time. Winston Churchill called Marshall “the true organizer of victory” in World War II. (531) Churchill further insisted that “succeeding generations must not be allowed to forget his achievements and his example.” Paul G. Hoffman, former director of the Marshall Plan in Europe said Marshall’s “record speaks for itself. It is a record of selfless devotion to his country that has been equaled by few and surpassed by no one since this Republic was founded.” (723) In announcing Marshall’s retirement, President Truman publicly described Marshall as “the greatest military man that this country had ever produced—or any other country for that matter.” (555) In an era when too many of our public leaders are more interested in their personal or special interests, and more concerned about prestige than selflessness, it is important, perhaps even necessary, to reflect upon how a man like George Marshall carried himself during the most important period in the last 100 years. His characteristics of honesty, integrity, judgment, and selfless service stand as shining examples for those who study the past and for generations to come who will learn about him in the future.
George C. Marshall’s contributions to our nation and the world cannot be overstated. As Churchill said, Marshall was the organizer of victory in World War II, but he was also the architect of peace following World War II. He’s a more-than-worthy subject of a biography. Forrest Pogue has written a definitive four-volume, 1,900 page, biography of George C. Marshall, but who can commit to such an arduous undertaking? Ed Cray has written a well written, fast paced, and highly readable narrative that clearly places Marshall, his accomplishments, and his influence within the military and political context of his times.
Marshall was deeply involved in many of the key events of the 20th century. During World War I, he served as a member of the staff of General of the Armies John J. Pershing, he served as U.S. Army Chief of Staff during War World II, as Secretary of State and the architect of European economic recovery following WWII, and as Secretary of Defense during the Korean War. He is the only person to have served in these three highest positions.
― “Marshall’s own sense of urgency increased with events in Poland. His army had languished since the 1918 armistice, starved first by a complacent Congress, then by an administration more concerned with domestic than foreign affairs. Not only was his army understrength—only four of its nine infantry divisions could muster even half the troops that tables of organization called for—it was poorly equipped.” (page 146)
― Ed Cray, General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman
As Army Chief of Staff (1939–1945) during World War II, Marshall was the most important military figure in the U.S. military establishment and played a significant role in maintaining the Anglo-American coalition. Marshall became U.S. Army Chief of Staff on September 1, 1939–the same day Germany invaded Poland and ignited World War II. He held that position until November 26, 1945. His realism and foresight were largely responsible for the mobilization and preparation of the U.S. Army in the months before Pearl Harbor. The America First isolationist pressure groups, mostly Republicans, wanted to keep America out of the war and fought to end the draft. They almost succeeded, falling one vote short in Congress just four months before Pearl Harbor. Even then, the United States was ill-prepared for war. Yet Marshall’s strategic vision helped achieve ultimate victory.
After the war, Marshall was named special ambassador to China (1945–1947), Secretary of State (1947–1949), President of the American Red Cross (1949–1950), and Secretary of Defense (1950–1951). In 1953, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role as the architect of the post-World War II European Recovery Act (also known as the Marshall Plan), which helped Western Europe get back on its feet and serve as a bulwark to contain the Soviet Union. The legacy of his ideas, actions and initiatives shaped the modern world in ways that are still felt across the globe.
― “Few seemed to realize that the address…was charting a new course in American foreign policy, summoning a generosity of spirit that would animate American foreign policy for decades to come.” (page 614)
― Ed Cray, General of the Army: George C. Marshall, Soldier and Statesman
George C. Marshall’s contributions to our nation and the world cannot be overstated. He was the organizer of victory and the architect of peace during and following World War II. His characteristics of honesty, integrity, and selfless service stand as shining examples for those who study the past and for those generations who will learn about him in the future. The Marshall Foundation is dedicated to celebrating his legacy.
Marshall’s career touched on many of the key events of the 20th century—as a new Army officer following the Philippine insurrection, as a member of the staff of General of the Armies John J. Pershing during World War I, as U.S. Army Chief of Staff during War World II, as Secretary of State and the architect of European economic recovery following WWII, and as Secretary of Defense during the Korean War. He is the only person to have served in these three highest positions.
During World War II, Marshall as Army Chief of Staff (1939–1945) was the most important military figure in the U.S. military establishment and of great significance in maintaining the Anglo-American coalition. After the war, he was named special ambassador to China (1945–1947), Secretary of State (1947–1949), President of the American Red Cross (1949–1950), and Secretary of Defense (1950–1951). In 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in proposing, encouraging legislative action, and supporting the European Recovery Program (known as the Marshall Plan). For nearly 20 years he was a major U.S. leader, militarily, politically and morally, and he is still widely admired today. The legacy of his ideas, actions and initiatives shaped the modern world in ways that are still felt across the globe.
Ed Cray’s biography of Marshall is well-researched, well written, detailed, balanced, and highly readable. It places Marshall, his actions, and his influence effectively within the political-military context of his times. In the process, readers glean insight about various leaders of the time, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and Bernard Montgomery. I think you will find it to be a comprehensive study worthy of your time.
May 30, 2017
“Ike, you and I know who was Chief of Staff during the last years of the Civil War but practically no one else knows, although the names of the field generals – Grant, of course, and Lee and Jackson, Sherman, Sheridan and the others – every schoolboy knows them. I hate to think that fifty years from now practically nobody will know who George Marshall was.”
– President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, November 1943
As often happens when reading a tome such as this, usually on the bus to or from the Pentagon for work, I’m often asked what I’m reading. When I answered that it was a biography of George Marshall, the most common response was a blank stare…though several asked what the rest were thinking: “who is George Marshall?” Had I said it was a bio of Eisenhower, Patton, or MacArthur I do not believe the response would have been the same. If you search for a list of the greatest Americans, you’d be lucky to see George Marshall’s name on the list (Of the dozen or so lists out there, I’ve seen him on one (#63 on The Atlantic’s list)). That is a travesty. Of all the men who have served in the United States Armed Forces, there are none that I more identify with, admire, or aspire to imitate in my own professional life than General George Marshall. His unparalleled integrity, genuinely selfless service, absolute professionalism, and strategic vision as both a soldier and diplomat should easily place him among the best men America has ever produced.
Ed Cray’s General of the Army: George C. Marshall Soldier and Statesman does a fantastic job of capturing the life, times, and trials of George Marshall. The book does maintain a pretty reverential tone throughout so it could be argued that it is somewhat hagiographic. That said, I do believe the author did a decent job of capturing Marshall’s failures (in China for instance) and opposing opinions of Marshall’s accomplishments and abilities by those who disagreed with him. Organizing the American War Effort in WWII involved balancing the interests of innumerable conflicting parties both domestically and internationally and Cray gives voice to the opinions of those who disagreed with Marshall throughout the book. That said, I believe the book accurately captures General Marshall’s character, beliefs, and accomplishments without excess embellishment. Spoiler warning…what follows is a condensed synopsis of the key points (primarily captured here for my own future reference).
Born in Uniontown, PA, descended from the finest families of VA (Chief Justice John Marshall was in his family tree). He learned religion from his mother and politics from his father he would be a lifelong Episcopalian and conservative Democrat (18). He attended VMI and in order to obtain his commission he set off for Washington and the White House without an appointment to appeal for a chance to take required examination. He obtained an audience with President McKinley himself and later passed the examination comfortably (29-30). The Army that 2Lt George Marshall entered was nothing like the one he left behind several decades later. There was hardly a trace of mechanization or wireless communications systems and the Wright brothers “dynamical flying machine” was still just being whispered about (38). In 1908, he was present “to see the miracle” of the Wright brothers attempt to win an Army contract for their flying machine.
Assigned to the Philippines, Marshall gained a mythic reputation as a capable staff officer dictating orders out of his head and developing brilliant improvisations during large scale field exercises (44). Upon the outbreak of WWI, Marshall was transferred to New York and essentially ran the Department of the East when his general officer was struck down with influenza (50). General Sibert, having a favorable impression of Marshall, selected him to serve as the operations officer for the Army’s first combat division. Early on when General Pershing was chewing out his generals for the poor readiness of the men showing up in Europe, Captain Marshall alone stood up to explain the inadequate supplies, quarters, and other factors that contributed to their present state. It was a pivotal encounter. Pershing had found an officer bold enough to tell him the truth (57). Hoping for a field command, Marshall was surprised to find himself transferred to Pershing’s headquarters. In that position he began working grand matters like ministerial-level relations and managing ocean tonnage and port logistics for an Army that was projected to grow to as many as 2 million men (67). Marshall would become a key member of Pershing’s staff, helping to plan the attack and work the logistics of moving 400,000 soldiers from the recent victory at St. Mihiel to assault Meuse-Argonne (70).
Following the Allied victory, Marshall accepted the position as General Pershing’s aide, functioning as both his advisor and chief of staff (84-5). Over the next five years he developed a close bond with General Pershing where he was both able and expected to speak his mind and/or criticize (88). These years would prove invaluable as he sat in on long conversations with President Harding at the White House and numerous congressmen on the military affairs committees, acquiring a sense of political realities and the legislative process (93). In September 1927, Marshall’s wife Elizabeth Cole died from a stroke. Marshall sought a change in assignment that would occupy him mentally and physically (104). He went off to become the assistant commandant at the Infantry School where he trained officers on military tactics. In that position Marshall ignited what became known as the “Benning Revolution”. Of the officers Marshall trained there, some 150 them would go on to become generals (106).
When FDR was elected, Marshall’s responsibilities expanded greatly. He had been re-assigned to Georgia and worked FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps program putting unemployed men to work in conservation efforts (114). Marshall approved of the program and viewed the exercise as a trial run at national mobilization. During this time Marshall was selected for his first star and moved to Washington State to command a brigade. Two years later in 1938, with Japan began acting up in the Pacific, Marshall was transferred to Washington D.C. to work at the War Department (124). He started out in the Plans Division but was soon selected to replace the retiring deputy Chief of Staff. As tensions rose in Europe and Asia, FDR considered his options for any potential military build-up. During one meeting with his military advisors, Marshall had the balls to tell FDR right to his face that he disagreed with his plans for a 10,000 plane air force at the expense of a balanced force. His willingness to speak the hard truth while everybody else was being deferential had impressed FDR, much as it had Pershing before him (132). In 1939, Brigadier General George Marshall was selected as the next Army Chief of Staff though several other officers outranked him on the seniority list (137-9).
When war broke out in Europe on Sept 1st, Marshall was Chief of Staff of the seventeenth largest army in the world (143). Marshall was in the unenviable position of advocating for a military build-up (everything from armaments to things as basic as blankets) to an isolationist and intransigent Congress. Should the Army be called on to mobilize, they were expected to have 1.25 million men ready in just six months. At that time the active duty force was only a quarter that size and only 75,000 of them had anything resembling modern weapons (154). During one particularly tense meeting in the White House, Marshall confronted a disinterested FDR, laying out the desperate need for supplies and bemoaning a rudderless national policy. Having been unable to get even a pittance up to this point, a shocked FDR pushed for a $657 million appropriation (155).
The money would continue to flow liberally as the U.S. began supplying the Allies while officially remaining neutral. Marshall lamented the reversal of his previous position (plenty of time and little money became plenty of money and very little time). While Marshall desperately tried to build up the U.S. Army, he saw desperately needed armaments being shipped to the UK, USSR, and even China through the Lend-Lease program (200).
The news of the attack on Pearl Harbor resolved Roosevelt’s political problem by bonding the nation together like nothing else could have done. Marshall was furious with MacArthur who allowed his air force to be destroyed in the Philippines attack despite having received notice of the Pearl harbor attack 4 hours before he was hit (261). Marshall found himself with two monumental burdens: one strategic the other organizing the training of the Army the US would put in the field (263). Marshall needed help and pulled in Eisenhower and named him chief of the Philippines and Far Eastern Section of the War Plans Division (265).
In both the European and Pacific theatres, Marshall was a vocal proponent of a unified or supreme command in the field (272). The demands on Marshal were enormous throughout this period. He was an early proponent for opening the second front in Europe but was overruled by FDR who made the political decision to side with Churchill’s preference to invade North Africa even though it only marginally aided in defeating Hitler (322-323, 336). Marshall both impressed and frustrated his British counterparts. While the Allies both wanted to defeat Hitler they had many conflicting interests. The US wanted a quick victory so they could focus on beating Japan while the British sought to conduct as much action on the periphery as possible in order to enable them to better maintain their empire after the war had been won (463). The Allied conferences were often contentious. In 1943, they had agreed on a general plan which involved invading Sicily and bombing Germany around the clock while they built up forces for the invasion of France (364).
The British continued to resist any cross-channel invasion. Marshall continued to work on FDR to stiffen his resolve noting that if they continued to fight around the edges, the Soviet Union could potentially win the war in Europe without them with dramatic consequences for the ensuing peace (408). As they moved closer to the invasion of France, FDR struggled with who to name as the commander for OVERLORD. By all rights it belonged to Marshall but FDR feared he could ill afford to lose him in Washington. Eisenhower was next in line to be Chief of Staff but was not as well suited to deal with the enormous demands the position required (managing the big personalities like MacArthur and King, dealing with Congress, dealing with their Allies, etc). Pershing, from his sick bed in Walter Reed advised the President to retain Marshall as Chief of Staff believing the field command would look like a demotion (414). Through it all, Marshall remained disinterested stating he would obey the President no matter what decision he made (though he certainly wanted the field command) (436). For once in his life, FDR waffled back and forth on what to do. FDR’s decision to keep Marshall in Washington ultimately boiled down to politics. Marshall was indispensable in Washington…Eisenhower would get the coveted command (437).
It was amazing to me how pivotal Marshall was to ensuring the D-Day assault ever even happened. The British continued to resist the cross channel invasion well after they could no longer reasonably object. The D-Day assault would prove successful, opening additional logistical challenges for the Allies having to supply a massive army in France. Throughout the war, Marshall remained a mentor and advocate for General Eisenhower who was learned some lessons the hard way. As the war progressed, FDR’s health continued to deteriorate and Marshall assumed ever greater responsibility in running the US war effort. As victory in Europe began to look inevitable, there were growing worries over the post-war peace. France and Italy both had strong communist parties that had gained credibility for their part in the resistance (505). The British wanted relief and reconstruction to begin immediately but the US, despite its status as the Arsenal of Democracy, still had enormous logistical difficulties in the Pacific to attend to. Every shipment of aid to Europe detracted from the war effort. Throughout the war, Marshall continued to balance the competing demands for resources (Pacific vs Europe, Normandy vs Mediterranean theatre, Lend-Lease to UK/USSR/China vs supplying his own forces, etc).
Following the war, Marshall retired from active duty. In a manner of months, Truman would appoint Marshall as a special ambassador to China to help resolve the raging Civil War. Despite being worn out from the war and looking to recoup and reconnect with his (second) wife, Marshall, ever the selfless servant, reluctantly answered his nation’s call yet again, much to the consternation of his wife (555). During Marshall’s stay in China he appeared to have worked out a compromise solution, but it would fall apart after his departure. China would remain a failure on his record. However, while in China, Truman determined to appoint Marshall as his new Secretary of State. This time Marshall jumped at the opportunity in order to extricate himself from the China situation.
As Secretary of State, Marshall faced an incredibly challenging international situation. Marshall brought his military experience to the State Department, creating a new Policy Planning Staff akin to the War Plans Division to help do the long range strategic planning (593). Not long into the position, a virtually bankrupt Great Britain announce they were cutting off aid to the Greek Monarchy in the midst of their civil war against the Communists (594). Marshall advocated for aid to Greece to prevent the Soviet Union from running roughshod over the country and opening the door for them to extend their influence into Turkey and the Middle East (595). This was a precursor to the larger “Marshall Plan” that would later follow.
Contending with the national mood little interested in foreign aid, Marshall and his staff were gravely concerned about Soviet intentions in Europe and recognized something needed to be done to negate Soviet policy and restore the European economy (608). The Plan truly was a State Department creation (Truman not playing a direct role so as not to detract from its passage through a hostile Congress). Its passage and the aid it delivered to Europe in all likelihood saved the continent from decades of communism. It really was one of our country’s most brilliant strategic moves and the United States never appeared so great or so generous as it did then (626). [Brings to mind the contrast in our absolute unwillingness to forgive foreign debt after WWI and the ensuing aftermath as described in Adam Tooze’s The Deluge].
A common theme that pops up in the book is Marshall’s willingness to shoot straight when the stakes were high and even when it was unpopular to do so. At various times in his life he stood up to General Pershing, FDR, Churchill, and later Truman when he believed a wrong decision was being made. When Truman was supporting the creation and recognition of the state of Israel, Marshall strongly argued against it (for very logical, strategic considerations…the Arab world was more populous and strategically important due to oil and he saw no reason to antagonize them in a losing cause as a surrounded Israel would inevitably be driven into the sea). Truman, seeking to lighten the mood joked that Marshall wouldn’t vote for his re-election and Marshall (who never voted as an apolitical, professional soldier and public servant) said that if he were to vote, he would vote against the President!!!(660)….that takes some courage and fortitude to speak your mind. Once Truman made his decision however, Marshall followed the orders of his commander and chief. Marshall would retire as Secretary of State at the end of Truman’s first term.
In retirement he would serve as the President of the Red Cross until the Korean War broke out. Truman once again would call on George Marshall to return to his cabinet as Secretary of Defense (682). As the SecDef, Marshall once again advocated to a reluctant Congress on the need for funds and military mobilization for the Korean War effort. When Truman sought to fire MacArthur for his brazen insubordination, Marshall was cautious, not wanting it to appear he was getting revenge on a former rival. He had planned to step down in September after a mobilization bill was passed and didn’t want to go out right as Truman was dealing with the inevitable national uproar that would ensue over MacArthur’s dismissal (711). Marshall ultimately agreed with and supported Truman’s decision but took no joy in the dismissal of a distinguished soldier.
During the McCarthy era, Marshall became a popular target for incendiary and defamatory accusations that he harbored communist sympathies (722-3). Marshall, whose record speaks for itself, did not stoop to engage in the debate. After 49 years and eight months of public service to his country, he retired to Leesburg, VA (725). In 1953 he received the Nobel Peace prize for his effort in the European Recovery Program (aka the Marshall Plan) (729). He passed away on Oct 16, 1959. A simple man he did not ask for any elaborate or state funeral.
– President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, November 1943
As often happens when reading a tome such as this, usually on the bus to or from the Pentagon for work, I’m often asked what I’m reading. When I answered that it was a biography of George Marshall, the most common response was a blank stare…though several asked what the rest were thinking: “who is George Marshall?” Had I said it was a bio of Eisenhower, Patton, or MacArthur I do not believe the response would have been the same. If you search for a list of the greatest Americans, you’d be lucky to see George Marshall’s name on the list (Of the dozen or so lists out there, I’ve seen him on one (#63 on The Atlantic’s list)). That is a travesty. Of all the men who have served in the United States Armed Forces, there are none that I more identify with, admire, or aspire to imitate in my own professional life than General George Marshall. His unparalleled integrity, genuinely selfless service, absolute professionalism, and strategic vision as both a soldier and diplomat should easily place him among the best men America has ever produced.
Ed Cray’s General of the Army: George C. Marshall Soldier and Statesman does a fantastic job of capturing the life, times, and trials of George Marshall. The book does maintain a pretty reverential tone throughout so it could be argued that it is somewhat hagiographic. That said, I do believe the author did a decent job of capturing Marshall’s failures (in China for instance) and opposing opinions of Marshall’s accomplishments and abilities by those who disagreed with him. Organizing the American War Effort in WWII involved balancing the interests of innumerable conflicting parties both domestically and internationally and Cray gives voice to the opinions of those who disagreed with Marshall throughout the book. That said, I believe the book accurately captures General Marshall’s character, beliefs, and accomplishments without excess embellishment. Spoiler warning…what follows is a condensed synopsis of the key points (primarily captured here for my own future reference).
Born in Uniontown, PA, descended from the finest families of VA (Chief Justice John Marshall was in his family tree). He learned religion from his mother and politics from his father he would be a lifelong Episcopalian and conservative Democrat (18). He attended VMI and in order to obtain his commission he set off for Washington and the White House without an appointment to appeal for a chance to take required examination. He obtained an audience with President McKinley himself and later passed the examination comfortably (29-30). The Army that 2Lt George Marshall entered was nothing like the one he left behind several decades later. There was hardly a trace of mechanization or wireless communications systems and the Wright brothers “dynamical flying machine” was still just being whispered about (38). In 1908, he was present “to see the miracle” of the Wright brothers attempt to win an Army contract for their flying machine.
Assigned to the Philippines, Marshall gained a mythic reputation as a capable staff officer dictating orders out of his head and developing brilliant improvisations during large scale field exercises (44). Upon the outbreak of WWI, Marshall was transferred to New York and essentially ran the Department of the East when his general officer was struck down with influenza (50). General Sibert, having a favorable impression of Marshall, selected him to serve as the operations officer for the Army’s first combat division. Early on when General Pershing was chewing out his generals for the poor readiness of the men showing up in Europe, Captain Marshall alone stood up to explain the inadequate supplies, quarters, and other factors that contributed to their present state. It was a pivotal encounter. Pershing had found an officer bold enough to tell him the truth (57). Hoping for a field command, Marshall was surprised to find himself transferred to Pershing’s headquarters. In that position he began working grand matters like ministerial-level relations and managing ocean tonnage and port logistics for an Army that was projected to grow to as many as 2 million men (67). Marshall would become a key member of Pershing’s staff, helping to plan the attack and work the logistics of moving 400,000 soldiers from the recent victory at St. Mihiel to assault Meuse-Argonne (70).
Following the Allied victory, Marshall accepted the position as General Pershing’s aide, functioning as both his advisor and chief of staff (84-5). Over the next five years he developed a close bond with General Pershing where he was both able and expected to speak his mind and/or criticize (88). These years would prove invaluable as he sat in on long conversations with President Harding at the White House and numerous congressmen on the military affairs committees, acquiring a sense of political realities and the legislative process (93). In September 1927, Marshall’s wife Elizabeth Cole died from a stroke. Marshall sought a change in assignment that would occupy him mentally and physically (104). He went off to become the assistant commandant at the Infantry School where he trained officers on military tactics. In that position Marshall ignited what became known as the “Benning Revolution”. Of the officers Marshall trained there, some 150 them would go on to become generals (106).
When FDR was elected, Marshall’s responsibilities expanded greatly. He had been re-assigned to Georgia and worked FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps program putting unemployed men to work in conservation efforts (114). Marshall approved of the program and viewed the exercise as a trial run at national mobilization. During this time Marshall was selected for his first star and moved to Washington State to command a brigade. Two years later in 1938, with Japan began acting up in the Pacific, Marshall was transferred to Washington D.C. to work at the War Department (124). He started out in the Plans Division but was soon selected to replace the retiring deputy Chief of Staff. As tensions rose in Europe and Asia, FDR considered his options for any potential military build-up. During one meeting with his military advisors, Marshall had the balls to tell FDR right to his face that he disagreed with his plans for a 10,000 plane air force at the expense of a balanced force. His willingness to speak the hard truth while everybody else was being deferential had impressed FDR, much as it had Pershing before him (132). In 1939, Brigadier General George Marshall was selected as the next Army Chief of Staff though several other officers outranked him on the seniority list (137-9).
When war broke out in Europe on Sept 1st, Marshall was Chief of Staff of the seventeenth largest army in the world (143). Marshall was in the unenviable position of advocating for a military build-up (everything from armaments to things as basic as blankets) to an isolationist and intransigent Congress. Should the Army be called on to mobilize, they were expected to have 1.25 million men ready in just six months. At that time the active duty force was only a quarter that size and only 75,000 of them had anything resembling modern weapons (154). During one particularly tense meeting in the White House, Marshall confronted a disinterested FDR, laying out the desperate need for supplies and bemoaning a rudderless national policy. Having been unable to get even a pittance up to this point, a shocked FDR pushed for a $657 million appropriation (155).
The money would continue to flow liberally as the U.S. began supplying the Allies while officially remaining neutral. Marshall lamented the reversal of his previous position (plenty of time and little money became plenty of money and very little time). While Marshall desperately tried to build up the U.S. Army, he saw desperately needed armaments being shipped to the UK, USSR, and even China through the Lend-Lease program (200).
The news of the attack on Pearl Harbor resolved Roosevelt’s political problem by bonding the nation together like nothing else could have done. Marshall was furious with MacArthur who allowed his air force to be destroyed in the Philippines attack despite having received notice of the Pearl harbor attack 4 hours before he was hit (261). Marshall found himself with two monumental burdens: one strategic the other organizing the training of the Army the US would put in the field (263). Marshall needed help and pulled in Eisenhower and named him chief of the Philippines and Far Eastern Section of the War Plans Division (265).
In both the European and Pacific theatres, Marshall was a vocal proponent of a unified or supreme command in the field (272). The demands on Marshal were enormous throughout this period. He was an early proponent for opening the second front in Europe but was overruled by FDR who made the political decision to side with Churchill’s preference to invade North Africa even though it only marginally aided in defeating Hitler (322-323, 336). Marshall both impressed and frustrated his British counterparts. While the Allies both wanted to defeat Hitler they had many conflicting interests. The US wanted a quick victory so they could focus on beating Japan while the British sought to conduct as much action on the periphery as possible in order to enable them to better maintain their empire after the war had been won (463). The Allied conferences were often contentious. In 1943, they had agreed on a general plan which involved invading Sicily and bombing Germany around the clock while they built up forces for the invasion of France (364).
The British continued to resist any cross-channel invasion. Marshall continued to work on FDR to stiffen his resolve noting that if they continued to fight around the edges, the Soviet Union could potentially win the war in Europe without them with dramatic consequences for the ensuing peace (408). As they moved closer to the invasion of France, FDR struggled with who to name as the commander for OVERLORD. By all rights it belonged to Marshall but FDR feared he could ill afford to lose him in Washington. Eisenhower was next in line to be Chief of Staff but was not as well suited to deal with the enormous demands the position required (managing the big personalities like MacArthur and King, dealing with Congress, dealing with their Allies, etc). Pershing, from his sick bed in Walter Reed advised the President to retain Marshall as Chief of Staff believing the field command would look like a demotion (414). Through it all, Marshall remained disinterested stating he would obey the President no matter what decision he made (though he certainly wanted the field command) (436). For once in his life, FDR waffled back and forth on what to do. FDR’s decision to keep Marshall in Washington ultimately boiled down to politics. Marshall was indispensable in Washington…Eisenhower would get the coveted command (437).
It was amazing to me how pivotal Marshall was to ensuring the D-Day assault ever even happened. The British continued to resist the cross channel invasion well after they could no longer reasonably object. The D-Day assault would prove successful, opening additional logistical challenges for the Allies having to supply a massive army in France. Throughout the war, Marshall remained a mentor and advocate for General Eisenhower who was learned some lessons the hard way. As the war progressed, FDR’s health continued to deteriorate and Marshall assumed ever greater responsibility in running the US war effort. As victory in Europe began to look inevitable, there were growing worries over the post-war peace. France and Italy both had strong communist parties that had gained credibility for their part in the resistance (505). The British wanted relief and reconstruction to begin immediately but the US, despite its status as the Arsenal of Democracy, still had enormous logistical difficulties in the Pacific to attend to. Every shipment of aid to Europe detracted from the war effort. Throughout the war, Marshall continued to balance the competing demands for resources (Pacific vs Europe, Normandy vs Mediterranean theatre, Lend-Lease to UK/USSR/China vs supplying his own forces, etc).
Following the war, Marshall retired from active duty. In a manner of months, Truman would appoint Marshall as a special ambassador to China to help resolve the raging Civil War. Despite being worn out from the war and looking to recoup and reconnect with his (second) wife, Marshall, ever the selfless servant, reluctantly answered his nation’s call yet again, much to the consternation of his wife (555). During Marshall’s stay in China he appeared to have worked out a compromise solution, but it would fall apart after his departure. China would remain a failure on his record. However, while in China, Truman determined to appoint Marshall as his new Secretary of State. This time Marshall jumped at the opportunity in order to extricate himself from the China situation.
As Secretary of State, Marshall faced an incredibly challenging international situation. Marshall brought his military experience to the State Department, creating a new Policy Planning Staff akin to the War Plans Division to help do the long range strategic planning (593). Not long into the position, a virtually bankrupt Great Britain announce they were cutting off aid to the Greek Monarchy in the midst of their civil war against the Communists (594). Marshall advocated for aid to Greece to prevent the Soviet Union from running roughshod over the country and opening the door for them to extend their influence into Turkey and the Middle East (595). This was a precursor to the larger “Marshall Plan” that would later follow.
Contending with the national mood little interested in foreign aid, Marshall and his staff were gravely concerned about Soviet intentions in Europe and recognized something needed to be done to negate Soviet policy and restore the European economy (608). The Plan truly was a State Department creation (Truman not playing a direct role so as not to detract from its passage through a hostile Congress). Its passage and the aid it delivered to Europe in all likelihood saved the continent from decades of communism. It really was one of our country’s most brilliant strategic moves and the United States never appeared so great or so generous as it did then (626). [Brings to mind the contrast in our absolute unwillingness to forgive foreign debt after WWI and the ensuing aftermath as described in Adam Tooze’s The Deluge].
A common theme that pops up in the book is Marshall’s willingness to shoot straight when the stakes were high and even when it was unpopular to do so. At various times in his life he stood up to General Pershing, FDR, Churchill, and later Truman when he believed a wrong decision was being made. When Truman was supporting the creation and recognition of the state of Israel, Marshall strongly argued against it (for very logical, strategic considerations…the Arab world was more populous and strategically important due to oil and he saw no reason to antagonize them in a losing cause as a surrounded Israel would inevitably be driven into the sea). Truman, seeking to lighten the mood joked that Marshall wouldn’t vote for his re-election and Marshall (who never voted as an apolitical, professional soldier and public servant) said that if he were to vote, he would vote against the President!!!(660)….that takes some courage and fortitude to speak your mind. Once Truman made his decision however, Marshall followed the orders of his commander and chief. Marshall would retire as Secretary of State at the end of Truman’s first term.
In retirement he would serve as the President of the Red Cross until the Korean War broke out. Truman once again would call on George Marshall to return to his cabinet as Secretary of Defense (682). As the SecDef, Marshall once again advocated to a reluctant Congress on the need for funds and military mobilization for the Korean War effort. When Truman sought to fire MacArthur for his brazen insubordination, Marshall was cautious, not wanting it to appear he was getting revenge on a former rival. He had planned to step down in September after a mobilization bill was passed and didn’t want to go out right as Truman was dealing with the inevitable national uproar that would ensue over MacArthur’s dismissal (711). Marshall ultimately agreed with and supported Truman’s decision but took no joy in the dismissal of a distinguished soldier.
During the McCarthy era, Marshall became a popular target for incendiary and defamatory accusations that he harbored communist sympathies (722-3). Marshall, whose record speaks for itself, did not stoop to engage in the debate. After 49 years and eight months of public service to his country, he retired to Leesburg, VA (725). In 1953 he received the Nobel Peace prize for his effort in the European Recovery Program (aka the Marshall Plan) (729). He passed away on Oct 16, 1959. A simple man he did not ask for any elaborate or state funeral.
March 13, 2017
“General of the Army” by Ed Cray is a biography of General George C. Marshall who arguably is the most important general of World War II…and the least remembered. I struggled for only a moment to decide between 4 and 5 stars because there is a bit of repetition in the text and Cray does seem to go on and on in parts…but this earned 5 stars as it was really entertaining and informative reading.
This biography takes in all of George Marshall’s life but spends most of its effort on World War I and II, and Marshall’s government work after the war. While the book certainly mentions the major battles and actions during the war years, the real focus of the book is the strategy and tactics leading up to particular engagements and the inter-allied disagreements along the way, especially during World War II…in fact, it is sort of the backstory of World War II.
Since Marshall was so intimately involved with the world’s movers and shakers during World War II, we gain insight into FDR/Churchill/Stalin and the strategic conferences during the war (for example, Quebec and Yalta) where the military and political issues were determined. The tale shows the rise of Eisenhower, the inner workings of the Combined Senior Staffs, and English-American disagreements along the way. The main conundrum was England’s desire to win the European war while America had its eyes on the Pacific and Japan. We see Churchill in a different light…oftentimes in disagreement and always thinking of how to regain the Empires’s standing in the world while winning the war in Europe.
The narrative is balanced in that it also shows Marshall in all his positives and negatives…it doesn’t make him out to be a saint or a savior, but rather a flawed man who grew into the job of Chief of Staff as World War II progressed…Marshall all the while remaining self-effacing.
The last part of the book deals with Marshall the Statesman…how he was involved with the European Recovery Plan (often referred to as the Marshall Plan), the emerging Cold War, the Iron Curtain, the defense of the Eastern bloc countries, NATO, Korea, and the McCarthy era. Marshall, who would be Secretary of State and then Secretary of Defense, saw it all and had his hand in most of it. It is amazing how much of what we have today was shaped by this man of unparalleled influence who many of us forget. He shunned almost all honors and that is probably why he is forgotten. In a fitting cap to almost 50 years of service to his country, Marshall also received the Nobel Peace Prize…probably the only military man to do so.
Highly recommended.
This biography takes in all of George Marshall’s life but spends most of its effort on World War I and II, and Marshall’s government work after the war. While the book certainly mentions the major battles and actions during the war years, the real focus of the book is the strategy and tactics leading up to particular engagements and the inter-allied disagreements along the way, especially during World War II…in fact, it is sort of the backstory of World War II.
Since Marshall was so intimately involved with the world’s movers and shakers during World War II, we gain insight into FDR/Churchill/Stalin and the strategic conferences during the war (for example, Quebec and Yalta) where the military and political issues were determined. The tale shows the rise of Eisenhower, the inner workings of the Combined Senior Staffs, and English-American disagreements along the way. The main conundrum was England’s desire to win the European war while America had its eyes on the Pacific and Japan. We see Churchill in a different light…oftentimes in disagreement and always thinking of how to regain the Empires’s standing in the world while winning the war in Europe.
The narrative is balanced in that it also shows Marshall in all his positives and negatives…it doesn’t make him out to be a saint or a savior, but rather a flawed man who grew into the job of Chief of Staff as World War II progressed…Marshall all the while remaining self-effacing.
The last part of the book deals with Marshall the Statesman…how he was involved with the European Recovery Plan (often referred to as the Marshall Plan), the emerging Cold War, the Iron Curtain, the defense of the Eastern bloc countries, NATO, Korea, and the McCarthy era. Marshall, who would be Secretary of State and then Secretary of Defense, saw it all and had his hand in most of it. It is amazing how much of what we have today was shaped by this man of unparalleled influence who many of us forget. He shunned almost all honors and that is probably why he is forgotten. In a fitting cap to almost 50 years of service to his country, Marshall also received the Nobel Peace Prize…probably the only military man to do so.
Highly recommended.
December 25, 2021
This is an exceptionally fine book about an exceptionally fine man of intelligence and integrity. George Catlett Marshall was one of the finest soldiers and leaders our country has ever produced. After graduating from VMI (not West Point!), he served in the Philippines, fought in France in World War I, and was then stationed with the 15th Infantry Regiment in Tientsin, China, where he met Joseph Stilwell, who was also stationed there. He consistently impressed the officers for whom he worked (e.g., Gen. Pershing) and rose as quickly as one could in the peacetime army between the two world wars when promotion and advancement were slow. When, in about 1939, he became chief of the army general staff, he focused on increasing the size and effectiveness of the Army to get it ready for the U.S.'s inevitable entry into World War II. Effective mobilization was difficult because FDR was under political pressure to keep the country out of the European war. Marshall had to persuade FDR and he had to persuade Congress. Over time, however, he came to be trusted and respected and the Army began to receive many of the men and much of the equipment it needed.
The book spends a good deal of time on the approach to Pearl Harbor and whether Marshall acted properly in alerting Gen. Short to the possibility of attack. The author makes a good case in defense of Gen. Marshall and he convinced me that the chief of staff was not at fault over the military's lack of last-minute preparedness for what happened in Hawaii. However, Marshall's detractors kept the issue on the front burner for several years and he eventually had to testify before a Congressional committee about his role.
Once war came, Gen. Marshall worked tirelessly to enlarge, train and equip the Army and he did a fantastic job. FDR grew to rely on him implicitly and, as a result, refused to name Gen. Marshall to lead Operation Overlord, although Marshall would have loved commanding troops in the field. Much of the book's coverage of World War II is devoted to meetings and conferences with our Allies, especially the British, with whom there were frequent disagreements on how to defeat Germany. Churchill kept promoting pet projects such as an invasion of Norway or the Balkans or the Dodecanese Islands while Marshall always insisted that the only way to defeat Germany was by an all-out assault on the German homeland. FDR backed Marshall and Operation Overlord resulted.
Another challenge Marshall faced during 1943-45 was efforts by the British to replace Gen. Eisenhower, the supreme Allied commander in Europe, with Montgomery or some other English general. I was amazed to read how much time and energy Marshall, Adm. Ernest King and FDR had to spend dealing with contrary positions by the English on plans and personalities. It must have been very frustrating to those involved but Marshall never backed down from standing up for what he thought was right for the country and the war effort.
After the war, a tired Gen. Marshall looked forward to retirement at his home in Leesburg, VA but shortly after he got there, the phone ran and Pres. Truman asked Marshall to serve as the President's Special Envoy to China, which was on the verge of civil war between the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists under Mao and Chou En-lai. Filled with an overriding sense of duty to his country, Gen. Marshall went to China, worked very hard and almost achieved a compromise that would have brought the Communists into the government but there was too much distrust on both sides and he eventually declared his mission to be at an end. It was very interesting to read how both sides in China had so much respect for Gen. Marshall that they actually listened and tried to work with him to reach an accord.
Back home, Truman persuaded the general to become head of the American Red Cross, where he had success at reorganizing the entity and making it more effective. After that, he became Secretary of State and worked hard to win enactment of the funding program that became known as the Marshall Plan to put Western Europe back on its feet, not just for humanitarian purposes but also to prevent the countries on our side of the Iron Curtain from falling prey to communism. One shudders to consider what would have happened in France, Germany and Italy in the late 1940's and early 1950's if the U.S. had not come to their assistance with the Marshall Plan.
Still not ready to let Gen. Marshall retire, Truman named him Secretary of Defense, a vital position during the early years of the Cold War. Having seen the need for coordination and cooperation during the Second World War, Marshall worked hard to overcome inter-service bickering and consolidate management of the different branches of the armed forces in the Department of Defense. During this time, North Korea invaded the South, posing a new challenge to peace and the need to stop the spread of communism. The biggest problem for the Secy of Defense during the war was dealing with Douglas MacArthur's boundless ego and tendency to "go his own way," regardless of instructions from Washington. The story of how MacArthur kept playing by his own rules and threatening to involve the U.S. in a wider war is fascinating (if scary). Ultimately, of course, MacArthur went too far and Truman recalled him, creating a firestorm of criticism, given MacArthur's iconic status in the eyes of Congress and the public. A Congressional investigation was held at which both MacArthur and Marshall testified but it petered out when it became clear that it was MacArthur and not his superiors in Washington who was in the wrong.
Finally, Gen. Marshall was able to retire but, sadly, he lived for only another seven years before suffering a debilitating stroke and dying in 1959.
Prior to reading "General of the Army," I mistakenly thought of Gen. Marshall as a solid but somewhat bland figure in American history. He was anything but! He shouldered tremendous responsibility during and after the Second World War and performed his ultra-challenging job with tremendous energy, fortitude and vast intelligence that helped the Allies win the war. After that, with the Marshall Plan and his work as Secy of Defense, he helped the U.S. and its western Allies win the peace. I shudder to think how much more difficult it would have been for us to end the war when we did and prevent western Europe from falling to communism if Gen. Marshall had not been playing such a key role in Washington.
I have only praise for this exceptionally fine book. It is well organized and well written, paying attention to George Marshall the man, the husband and the friend as well as the supremely effective military and political leader. I felt I knew a lot about 20th Century U.S. and world history before reading "General of the Army" but I learned so much more from reading this book. I strongly recommend it to others with similar interests.
The book spends a good deal of time on the approach to Pearl Harbor and whether Marshall acted properly in alerting Gen. Short to the possibility of attack. The author makes a good case in defense of Gen. Marshall and he convinced me that the chief of staff was not at fault over the military's lack of last-minute preparedness for what happened in Hawaii. However, Marshall's detractors kept the issue on the front burner for several years and he eventually had to testify before a Congressional committee about his role.
Once war came, Gen. Marshall worked tirelessly to enlarge, train and equip the Army and he did a fantastic job. FDR grew to rely on him implicitly and, as a result, refused to name Gen. Marshall to lead Operation Overlord, although Marshall would have loved commanding troops in the field. Much of the book's coverage of World War II is devoted to meetings and conferences with our Allies, especially the British, with whom there were frequent disagreements on how to defeat Germany. Churchill kept promoting pet projects such as an invasion of Norway or the Balkans or the Dodecanese Islands while Marshall always insisted that the only way to defeat Germany was by an all-out assault on the German homeland. FDR backed Marshall and Operation Overlord resulted.
Another challenge Marshall faced during 1943-45 was efforts by the British to replace Gen. Eisenhower, the supreme Allied commander in Europe, with Montgomery or some other English general. I was amazed to read how much time and energy Marshall, Adm. Ernest King and FDR had to spend dealing with contrary positions by the English on plans and personalities. It must have been very frustrating to those involved but Marshall never backed down from standing up for what he thought was right for the country and the war effort.
After the war, a tired Gen. Marshall looked forward to retirement at his home in Leesburg, VA but shortly after he got there, the phone ran and Pres. Truman asked Marshall to serve as the President's Special Envoy to China, which was on the verge of civil war between the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists under Mao and Chou En-lai. Filled with an overriding sense of duty to his country, Gen. Marshall went to China, worked very hard and almost achieved a compromise that would have brought the Communists into the government but there was too much distrust on both sides and he eventually declared his mission to be at an end. It was very interesting to read how both sides in China had so much respect for Gen. Marshall that they actually listened and tried to work with him to reach an accord.
Back home, Truman persuaded the general to become head of the American Red Cross, where he had success at reorganizing the entity and making it more effective. After that, he became Secretary of State and worked hard to win enactment of the funding program that became known as the Marshall Plan to put Western Europe back on its feet, not just for humanitarian purposes but also to prevent the countries on our side of the Iron Curtain from falling prey to communism. One shudders to consider what would have happened in France, Germany and Italy in the late 1940's and early 1950's if the U.S. had not come to their assistance with the Marshall Plan.
Still not ready to let Gen. Marshall retire, Truman named him Secretary of Defense, a vital position during the early years of the Cold War. Having seen the need for coordination and cooperation during the Second World War, Marshall worked hard to overcome inter-service bickering and consolidate management of the different branches of the armed forces in the Department of Defense. During this time, North Korea invaded the South, posing a new challenge to peace and the need to stop the spread of communism. The biggest problem for the Secy of Defense during the war was dealing with Douglas MacArthur's boundless ego and tendency to "go his own way," regardless of instructions from Washington. The story of how MacArthur kept playing by his own rules and threatening to involve the U.S. in a wider war is fascinating (if scary). Ultimately, of course, MacArthur went too far and Truman recalled him, creating a firestorm of criticism, given MacArthur's iconic status in the eyes of Congress and the public. A Congressional investigation was held at which both MacArthur and Marshall testified but it petered out when it became clear that it was MacArthur and not his superiors in Washington who was in the wrong.
Finally, Gen. Marshall was able to retire but, sadly, he lived for only another seven years before suffering a debilitating stroke and dying in 1959.
Prior to reading "General of the Army," I mistakenly thought of Gen. Marshall as a solid but somewhat bland figure in American history. He was anything but! He shouldered tremendous responsibility during and after the Second World War and performed his ultra-challenging job with tremendous energy, fortitude and vast intelligence that helped the Allies win the war. After that, with the Marshall Plan and his work as Secy of Defense, he helped the U.S. and its western Allies win the peace. I shudder to think how much more difficult it would have been for us to end the war when we did and prevent western Europe from falling to communism if Gen. Marshall had not been playing such a key role in Washington.
I have only praise for this exceptionally fine book. It is well organized and well written, paying attention to George Marshall the man, the husband and the friend as well as the supremely effective military and political leader. I felt I knew a lot about 20th Century U.S. and world history before reading "General of the Army" but I learned so much more from reading this book. I strongly recommend it to others with similar interests.
October 9, 2016
As the back cover of my edition says, "George Marshall the soldier oversaw the vast mobilization of troops and shaped the strategies that defeated Nazi Germany and then Imperial Japan ... as Truman's Secretary of State he created the European Recovery Plan that saved Europe from ruins (and that he steadfastly refused to call the Marshall Plan), and became the only military man ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize."
A few details - the author shines the light on the challenges of building a coalition of allies in time of war. FDR and Marshall had differences of opinion, but those paled to negotiating with Churchill about the tactics of fighting a global war. Should the US go after Germany first - lots wanted to go after Japan. Churchill and his military aides wanted to win against Germany in a way that would preserve their empire afterwards (as well as the French). And then there was Russia ... The narrative illuminates how every fact and decision we have learned about the prosecution of the war by the allies was the result of negotiation and labored agreement. One quote from a Joint Chief of Staff pre-conference paper to those US negotiators who would work with UK generals, [Great Britain's staff "may be counted on to perform the letter of their commitments in this connection, but they are traditionally expert at meeting the letter while avoiding the spirit of commitments ..."
And earlier, the narrative describes how Marshall worked to begin building capacity of the US armed forces long before entry into the conflict itself. Then, as now, the draw of isolationism was strong, and FDR and Marshall walked a tightrope stretched tight between a reluctant Congress full of preening princes, and the timetables needed to build military might. There is a fascinating thread concerning Marshall's ability as a Commander in comparison to those of Eisenhower, and others, balanced by FDR's need to keep Marshall in Washington DC to shepherd initiatives through Congress. In the end, as FDR feared, placing Eisenhower as Supreme Commander in Europe, while appropriate, would relegate Marshall to a much more obscure place in history.
After defeat of Germany, and then Japan (complete with details of the race to Berlin between American and Russian troops, the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan), the allies had to scramble to confront the quickly rising Communist bloc. Marshall was the architect of the European Recovery Act and was a moral force in once again, persuading members of Congress to open the nation's purse strings.
In 1953, Marshall accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo Norway with 50 communist protestors picketing the banquet hall outside. In his acceptance speech, he observed, "We must present democracy as a force holding within itself the seeds of unlimited progress by the human race. By our actions we should make it clear that such a democracy is a means to a better way of life, together with a better understanding among nations. Tyranny inevitably must retire before the tremendous moral strength of the gospel of freedom and self-respect for the individual, but we have to recognize that these democratic principles do not flourish on empty stomachs and that people turn to false promises of dictators because they are hopeless and anything promises something better than the miserable existence that they endure."
Great insights throughout this book on how paths are formed and followed - nothing that seems inevitable in hindsight, was so at the time.
A few details - the author shines the light on the challenges of building a coalition of allies in time of war. FDR and Marshall had differences of opinion, but those paled to negotiating with Churchill about the tactics of fighting a global war. Should the US go after Germany first - lots wanted to go after Japan. Churchill and his military aides wanted to win against Germany in a way that would preserve their empire afterwards (as well as the French). And then there was Russia ... The narrative illuminates how every fact and decision we have learned about the prosecution of the war by the allies was the result of negotiation and labored agreement. One quote from a Joint Chief of Staff pre-conference paper to those US negotiators who would work with UK generals, [Great Britain's staff "may be counted on to perform the letter of their commitments in this connection, but they are traditionally expert at meeting the letter while avoiding the spirit of commitments ..."
And earlier, the narrative describes how Marshall worked to begin building capacity of the US armed forces long before entry into the conflict itself. Then, as now, the draw of isolationism was strong, and FDR and Marshall walked a tightrope stretched tight between a reluctant Congress full of preening princes, and the timetables needed to build military might. There is a fascinating thread concerning Marshall's ability as a Commander in comparison to those of Eisenhower, and others, balanced by FDR's need to keep Marshall in Washington DC to shepherd initiatives through Congress. In the end, as FDR feared, placing Eisenhower as Supreme Commander in Europe, while appropriate, would relegate Marshall to a much more obscure place in history.
After defeat of Germany, and then Japan (complete with details of the race to Berlin between American and Russian troops, the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan), the allies had to scramble to confront the quickly rising Communist bloc. Marshall was the architect of the European Recovery Act and was a moral force in once again, persuading members of Congress to open the nation's purse strings.
In 1953, Marshall accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo Norway with 50 communist protestors picketing the banquet hall outside. In his acceptance speech, he observed, "We must present democracy as a force holding within itself the seeds of unlimited progress by the human race. By our actions we should make it clear that such a democracy is a means to a better way of life, together with a better understanding among nations. Tyranny inevitably must retire before the tremendous moral strength of the gospel of freedom and self-respect for the individual, but we have to recognize that these democratic principles do not flourish on empty stomachs and that people turn to false promises of dictators because they are hopeless and anything promises something better than the miserable existence that they endure."
Great insights throughout this book on how paths are formed and followed - nothing that seems inevitable in hindsight, was so at the time.
February 13, 2014
At an intimidating 800 pages, this book read much easier than I expected. Mr. Cray needed every page to reflect on the life of quite posibly the greatest American. Marshall's life was so facinating, and his legacy so influential to the way the world is shaped today, it's a travesty that he is only briefly mentioned in school text books. I got a glimpse of the man Marshall was while touring the Pentagon, where there is a hallway dedicated to him. I decided right then that I needed to know more about this man. I'm really glad I did. If you don't know anything about General George Catlett Marshall, at lest check him out on Wiki. I think you'll be glad that you did.
February 5, 2019
I had long been looking for a full life biography of Gen. George C. Marshall and found it in this book. It is thorough (over 800 pages) and smoothly progresses from his youth, through VMI, World War I, advance through the ranks to Chief of Staff, World War II and the State and Defense departments. Author Ed Cray has crafted a balanced narrative that covers the many facets of Marshall’s career without being particularly partisan for or against his subject.
“The Great One” as Harry Truman called him, George Marshall managed to maintain his integrity and position even when opposing his superiors. An early manifestation of this trait was his confrontation of Gen. Pershing during World War I. He would continue with two presidents, FDR and Truman, American and British officers and Winston Churchill. It is a tribute to his character that his expressions of dissenting opinions merely enhanced his stature in the eyes of those with whom he disagreed. On these pages the reader is taken through preparation and strategy sessions of World War II, summit meetings, his unsuccessful mission to China and early post-war foreign relations. Specific issues such as whether to try to take Berlin, the investigation of Pearl Harbor while overlooking Gen. MacArthur’s failings in its wake and the recognition of Israel all evidence the character that made Marshall the Soldier and Statesman that he was.
Although I have read much about World War II and the Truman Administration, by the end of this tome I had a much better understanding of the nuances of both World Wars and the early Cold War era. I recommend this work for anyone interested in American war and statecraft during the first half of the Twentieth Century
“The Great One” as Harry Truman called him, George Marshall managed to maintain his integrity and position even when opposing his superiors. An early manifestation of this trait was his confrontation of Gen. Pershing during World War I. He would continue with two presidents, FDR and Truman, American and British officers and Winston Churchill. It is a tribute to his character that his expressions of dissenting opinions merely enhanced his stature in the eyes of those with whom he disagreed. On these pages the reader is taken through preparation and strategy sessions of World War II, summit meetings, his unsuccessful mission to China and early post-war foreign relations. Specific issues such as whether to try to take Berlin, the investigation of Pearl Harbor while overlooking Gen. MacArthur’s failings in its wake and the recognition of Israel all evidence the character that made Marshall the Soldier and Statesman that he was.
Although I have read much about World War II and the Truman Administration, by the end of this tome I had a much better understanding of the nuances of both World Wars and the early Cold War era. I recommend this work for anyone interested in American war and statecraft during the first half of the Twentieth Century
March 3, 2022
What an impressive, phenomenal man with an impressive scope of responsibility. He did not have the most auspicious upbringing nor was he the most brilliant student. He was not the most strategically brilliant military man. Marshalll was an incredible organizer and a mobilizer of men. He put all the wheels into motion and got everyone pulling in the same direction. I could not imagine the immense pressure he was going through, but like many great leaders, he surrounded himself with the best talent (like Eisenhower) and trusted them. Afterwards, a travelled diplomat and stateman. It would be hard pressed to find man with such a wide range of accomplishments with a discerning degree of honour.
I gave this book a 3 because like many of these types of books, it sways away from Marshall and breaks into a complete history of WW2.
All in all, a solid book on a fantastic man.
(notes at back)
I gave this book a 3 because like many of these types of books, it sways away from Marshall and breaks into a complete history of WW2.
All in all, a solid book on a fantastic man.
(notes at back)
May 18, 2024
Very well written biography about the life of General George Marshall. Detailed and in -depth, but also very inspirational about a man who was smart but not brilliant, caring but not deeply warm, strong but not overbearing, and patriotic but compassionate. I realized his great strength lay in his evenness of gifts; he was a great combination of many qualities, none overpowering the other, making him the perfect fit for leading our country through WWII and its aftermath.
Most of all, his patriotism, call to duty and tremendous follow through made him a gift to our nation during a time of crisis. An inspiration and a powerful role-model. It seems trite to say "they don't make them like they used to" but we could certainly use a George Marshall as a mature voice of reason in our government now.
Most of all, his patriotism, call to duty and tremendous follow through made him a gift to our nation during a time of crisis. An inspiration and a powerful role-model. It seems trite to say "they don't make them like they used to" but we could certainly use a George Marshall as a mature voice of reason in our government now.
April 30, 2020
This is an outstanding biography of the man that I had always associated with the “Marshall Plan”. The biography provides a perch from which one sees American and World History through the first half of the 20th century. A great study in management and planning. As I plodded through the 800 + pages, I found myself stopping to look up people and events discussed. I loved the book and will search out other biographies by the same author.
February 12, 2019
One of the best bios I've read!
December 23, 2018
Very readable biography of a truly great American.
November 18, 2019
Solid, clear, factual telling of Marshall’s life and career using standard sources.
January 4, 2020
An insightful, detailed biography of the great 20th-century soldier-statesman.
May 17, 2020
Excellent summary of the life and experiences of George Marshall. Highly recommended for serving officers - especially those in staff positions.
February 8, 2022
American hero. His competency in WWII contributed to the saving of freedom everywhere
Read
December 20, 2022Read the paperback version
November 27, 2023
Extremely detailed. Was just starting to get good but didn't finish. Left off Part II, The Summer's Storms, Page 208
April 30, 2024
Thick.
May 23, 2024
What a life. Born leader, so unwavering
March 10, 2025
An overall good read that invites you to delve deeper into Marshall's life and career.
October 6, 2018
This is a 4 star biography of a 6 star man. George Marshall was a really great man. I knew this; otherwise why would I buy and read a short form biography of over 700 pages? I had heard such good things about him that I needed to know more. While this book tells his story and that of the times he lived in well, it never gets into his head. What made him so special? He was unpromising as child and young man, so much so that Big Brother recommended he doesn't go to the school that men of his family always went to, because he might disgrace the family name. How did he grow up to be a giant?
The Pershing / Marshall relationship perhaps get less discussion than it deserves. Pershing did a lot for his country by recognising and grooming Marshall. Was there a father / son angle? Marshall had had an unsatisfactory relationship with his own father, so you could make all kinds of pop psychology heavy weather, which it might be fortunate for the reader to have been saved from.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who is interested in this man.
The Pershing / Marshall relationship perhaps get less discussion than it deserves. Pershing did a lot for his country by recognising and grooming Marshall. Was there a father / son angle? Marshall had had an unsatisfactory relationship with his own father, so you could make all kinds of pop psychology heavy weather, which it might be fortunate for the reader to have been saved from.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who is interested in this man.
March 15, 2014
While reading about Roosevelt, Ike, Truman, MacArthur and others, General George Marshall's name constantly comes up. Unlike the others, his name is not as recognized today and doesn't come with as much prestige today. It turns out he might've been the most important figure in the success of WWII and the global landscape that followed. To list all of the major accomplishments in his life from WWI to the beginning of the Cold War would take much longer than I'm prepared for. General Marshall sacrificed most of his personal life to serve his country and serve the men who ended up receiving the glory for much of the work he put in.
Marshall did so much over such a long period of time that it's hard to keep up. Fortunately, Cray does a great job of giving a quick overview of the historical events Marshall was involved in and a brief description of US and world leaders Marshall dealt with. Also, the book is highly relevant to today because of the domino effect that continues to unfold with current world affairs. Great read, highly recommend, I have a new favorite guy from the era.
Marshall did so much over such a long period of time that it's hard to keep up. Fortunately, Cray does a great job of giving a quick overview of the historical events Marshall was involved in and a brief description of US and world leaders Marshall dealt with. Also, the book is highly relevant to today because of the domino effect that continues to unfold with current world affairs. Great read, highly recommend, I have a new favorite guy from the era.
July 7, 2011
I knew little about George Marshall until I read this book, though I knew the surrounding history. Marshall deserves a greater spotlight in American history and culture. He represented all that is best in public service, and not just in a contemporary American context. His values and character would shine forth in any epoch and context. He was highly regarded, perhaps even with a little awe, by characters as diverse as Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt. Congress certainly sat in awe of him. Unlike many of today's military leaders, Marshall carried little to nothing for self-promotion.
When my son began to think about a career in public service, I gave him this book to read. It ought to be required reading for all of those who decide to work in government. But it could be just as relevant to b-school graduates to understand their obligations to the community of investors/shareholders/stakeholders whom they serve.
When my son began to think about a career in public service, I gave him this book to read. It ought to be required reading for all of those who decide to work in government. But it could be just as relevant to b-school graduates to understand their obligations to the community of investors/shareholders/stakeholders whom they serve.
Read
April 21, 2014A fascinating look at one of the great statesmen of our time. Very admiring, with little criticism of the subject. However, the subject really was one of those truly selfless Americans.
There's some interesting things to be gleaned from the book on leadership. Two quotes in particular that stood out at me were:
"Gentlemen, it is my experience an enlisted man may have a morale problem. An officer is expected to take care of his own morale."
"I don't want you fellows sitting around asking me what to do. I want you to tell me what to do."
It's a very interesting way to look at the build-up to WWI and WWII from the perspective of a man deeply involved with both. WWII gets the vast majority of the book, with his time as Secretary of State and Defense getting rather short shrift in comparison.
There's some interesting things to be gleaned from the book on leadership. Two quotes in particular that stood out at me were:
"Gentlemen, it is my experience an enlisted man may have a morale problem. An officer is expected to take care of his own morale."
"I don't want you fellows sitting around asking me what to do. I want you to tell me what to do."
It's a very interesting way to look at the build-up to WWI and WWII from the perspective of a man deeply involved with both. WWII gets the vast majority of the book, with his time as Secretary of State and Defense getting rather short shrift in comparison.
December 31, 2016
If you care about history, and the people who have shaped it, George Marshall is arguably one of the greatest men in contemporary history. His loyalty, humility, leadership, and human traits are exemplary in nature and examples to emulate. These traits have eroded greatly in today's society, even when we most desperately need them again.
Not many people know about this man who led Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the other military greats because he shied away from the spotlight. There is a reason why these people, and others like Roosevelt, Churchill, and Truman, consider him to be the greatest person they have ever met. An incredible read to cap off 2016.
Not many people know about this man who led Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the other military greats because he shied away from the spotlight. There is a reason why these people, and others like Roosevelt, Churchill, and Truman, consider him to be the greatest person they have ever met. An incredible read to cap off 2016.
May 1, 2014
A very workmanlike biography of General Marshall. I was woefully ignorant and looking for a basic biography rather than an in-depth look from some particular angle. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time for Forrest Pogue's multivolume opus, so I settled on this. The details on every single wartime summit can get a little tedious, but overall it did a thorough job of covering Marshall's life. It's not hagiography, but it's hard to write about Marshall without becoming somewhat smitten. Cray covers his few weaknesses (his temper, for instance) as well as his many, many virtues.
December 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and the level of detail it goes into to describe General Marshall's varied life. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because I think it was a bit too hagiographic and perhaps too lengthy. Some 20 page descriptions of events that took 20 minutes were really a struggle.
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