Distinguished soldier. Accomplished statesman. Honored humanitarian.

General George C. Marshall is considered by many to be one of the greatest modern-day American heroes. He is recognized as the organizer of the Allied Victory in World War Two and the architect of the European Recovery Program (the Marshall Plan) that changed the face of the world and earned Marshall the Nobel Peace Prize. From the beginning of his 44-year public career as a graduate of Virginia Military Institute in 1901 to the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953, Marshall's decorations, awards, and honorary degrees total more than 60, and include military, civilian, and substantial foreign recognition.

Amid his extraordinary accomplishments, Marshall was most appreciated and beloved for who he was. He did not seek fame and earned an uncontested reputation for being an honest, humble, and resolute leader. His personal contributions to the efforts and development of the United States and other countries during some of the most significant events in modern history are remarkable, not just for the magnitude of what he accomplished, but because of the incorruptible, selfless integrity with which he served.

Dodona Manor was the Marshalls' beloved home in Leesburg, Virginia for many years, and George Marshall lived there during the period of his greatest achievements. He was recognized for distinguished service in both World Wars; earned the rank of Five-Star General; and held positions as United States Chief of Staff of the Army, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense. He also served as the President of the American Red Cross; Special Envoy to China; headed a U.S. delegation to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth; and was the first professional soldier to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Marshall was born in 1880 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He formally retired to Dodona Manor in 1953. Marshall died in 1959 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Click here to read about Marshall's early career...