"Jeffers presents a compelling portrait of one of our nation's most accomplished and inspirational leaders. His book should be studied by students of military history, diplomacy, and leadership alike."--Brain D. Shaw, President, The George C. Marshall Foundation. "An excellent introduction to a man whose service to his nation will remain the measure for generations to come."--Kenneth Mandel, Emmy-winning director of George Marshall and the American Century. "Jeffers adds to an already stellar reputation with this concise biography of one of the nation's top military figures. Jeffers shows how Marshall's love of country and emphasis on teamwork held together a wartime coalition often threatened by the explosive personalities of Patton, Montgomery, and others. In doing so, Marshall made as significant a contribution to victory as any field commander."--John Wukovits, author of One Square Mile of Hell: The Battle for Tarawa. General George C. Marshall was a skillful and compassionate leader with a unique legacy. He never fired a shot during WWII and led no troops into battle--his brilliance was purely strategic and diplomatic, and incredibly effective. He was responsible for the building, supplying, and, in part, the deployment of over eight million soldiers. In 1947, as secretary of state, he created the Marshall Plan, a sweeping economic recovery effort that pulled the warshattered European nations out of ruin, and gave impetus to NATO and the European Common Market. It was for the Marshall Plan that he won the Nobel Peace Prize--the only time in history a military commander has ever been awarded this honor. Marshall's skilled combination of military strategy and politics, emphasis on planning as well as execution, and his expertise in nation-building holds lessons for military and civilian leaders today. --Book Jacket.

Introduction -- The beast -- Junior officer -- This little village -- The wizard -- Little black book -- America the unready -- Rainbow -- Lighting a flame -- Blood and sand -- Victory is certain -- Mighty endeavor -- Marshall's boys at work -- "We can still lose this war" -- Warrior statesman -- War and peace -- Soldier statesman.