George Marshall: Defender of the Republic by David L. Roll

George Marshall: Defender of the Republic by David L. Roll is a biography of one of the defining figures of the 20th century: George C. Marshall. The book follows the life and career of George C. Marshall from his early days in Pennsylvania to his later years in Washington, D.C. as Chief of Staff of the US Army, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense.

As Chief of Staff of the US Army, Marshall was responsible for leading the Allied forces to victory in World War II. He developed the strategy for the total mobilization of American economic and military resources, as well as the logistics of troops and military operations during the war. He also significantly helped devise the post-war Marshall Plan, aimed at aiding the reconstruction of Europe, and made significant strides in the field of civil rights by advocating for the integration of the armed forces.

Throughout World War II, Marshall served as the top military advisor to President Roosevelt, attending almost all important war conferences, including Teheran and Yalta. He was involved in some of the most crucial decisions of the conflict—from the North African campaign to the bombing of Hiroshima. He was also instrumental in the education and recruiting of black soldiers into the army.

After the war, Marshall became Secretary of State under President Truman, where he developed the Truman Doctrine and helped organize and administer the Marshall Plan. He continued to advocate for civil rights, illuminating the United Nations. He was also Secretary of Defense for France and Germany during the Berlin Airlift.

Marshall was also a key figure in the rebuilding of Europe as a free, democratic and independent nation, as well as in the development of NATO. He was described by President Truman as “the greatest living in America”, and was an advocate of global security and peace.

At the end of World War II, Marshall was awarded the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His influence and perspective is still appreciated and relevant in modern times, as his decision-making, diplomacy and courage continue to stand as an example to subsequent generations.

In George Marshall: Defender of the Republic, David L. Roll succinctly and thoroughly chronicles the life and accomplishments of one of the most successful and influential figures of the 20th century. Roll examines Marshall’s personal, political and military history, bringing to life the man behind the decisions that had a monumental impact on our times. By giving an in-depth analysis of the people and events in Marshall’s life, Roll provides a full accounting of the man and his quest for lasting peace and stability in the world.