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George C. Marshall, a World War II leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, was born on this day in history, Dec. 31, 1880.
George Catlett Marshall was best known for his service as chief of staff to two different presidents from 1939 to 1945.
Marshall (1880-1959) is credited with building and directing the largest army in history during World War II, according to nobelprize.org.
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He served as secretary of state from 1947 to 1949, devising the Marshall Plan — which provided post-war economic and military aid to European nations.
The Marshall Plan offered more than $15 billion to help reconstruct cities, industries and damaged infrastructure across Europe, History.com reports.
General George C. Marshall, as chief of staff, pictured at his headquarters in the War Department, located in Washington, D.C.
(Getty Images)
Marshall grew up in Pennsylvania. His father owned a coal business.
Though his father was prosperous, the young boy decided to pave his own way — and join the military.
U.S. Army Colonel (and future General) George Marshall in France, 1919.
(PhotoQuest/Getty Images)
Marshall enrolled at the Virginia Military Institute, He graduated in 1901 as the senior first captain of the Corps of Cadets.
After graduating with honors from the Infantry-Cavalry School at Fort Leavenworth in 1907 and the Army Staff College in 1908, Marshall on various posts for the next nine years.
Before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Marshall preached military readiness.
Marshall earned an appointment to general staff in World War I and sailed to France with the First Division.
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Marshall climbed the ranks following the Great War — and after served in China in the 1920s.
Former Secretary of State George C. Marshall (at the podium) speaks on the second…
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