GEORGE CATLETT MARSHALL (1880-1959), one of the most important figures of the twentieth century, exerted much influence during World War II and the postwar years. United States presidents and members of Congress, as well as world leaders, listened to George Marshall because of his honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness. His personal qualities of selfless character, patriotism, leadership, and integrity were admired by people who worked with him.

As U.S. Army chief of staff during the Second World War, General Marshall raised and prepared the ground and air forces to help the Allies fight the most destructive war in history against the Axis nations of Germany, Italy, and Japan. But Marshall hated war. When he served as secretary of state after the war, he proposed to help the European countries rebuild their economies and provide a more peaceful lifestyle.

Marshall retired from the U.S. Army after World War II ended in 1945, but President Harry S. Truman called on him to serve his country as special ambassador to China (1945-46), as secretary of state (1947-49), and as secretary of defense (1950-51). George Marshall also served as president of the American Red Cross (1949-50). In 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in proposing, supporting, and gaining legislative approval of the European Recovery Program (the Marshall Plan) which was instrumental in rebuilding war-torn Europe.

"There are few men whose qualities of mind and character have impressed me so deeply as those of General Marshall," wrote Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill. "He is a great American, but he is far more than that. . . . He has always fought victoriously against defeatism, discouragement and disillusion. Succeeding generations must not be allowed to forget his achievements and his example."