General George C. Marshall in his Pentagon office, 1943.
Born: December 31, 1880 Died: October 16, 1959
George Catlett Marshall was a soldier best remembered for what he did for peace. Born in Pennsylvania, Marshall developed his leadership skills at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. As a junior Army officer, Marshall earned a reputation for blunt honesty and brilliant problem-solving. He held important posts during World War I, and in World War II, Marshall became head of the Army. After the war, Marshall put his problem-solving skills to an even more important use. As secretary of state, he convinced Congress to give Europe $13 billion to help rebuild. This very popular "Marshall Plan" brought hope and peace to many nations. For his great achievement, Marshall received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.
