George Marshall

Defender of the Republic

By: David L. Roll

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

The extraordinary career of George Catlett Marshall—America’s most distinguished soldier–statesman since George Washington—whose selfless leadership and moral character influenced the course of two world wars and helped define the American century.

“I’ve read several biographies of Marshall, but I think [David] Roll’s may be the best of the bunch.”—Thomas E. Ricks, New York Times Book Review • “Powerful.”—The Wall Street Journal • “Enthralling.”—Andrew Roberts • “Important.”—William I. Hitchcock • “Majestic.”—Susan Page • “Engrossing.”—Andrew J. Bacevich • “Judicious.”—Walter Isaacson • “Definitive.”—Kirkus

Winston Churchill called him World War II's "organizer of victory." Harry Truman said he was "the greatest military man that this country ever produced." Today, in our era of failed leadership, few lives are more worthy of renewed examination than Marshall and his fifty years of loyal service to the defense of his nation and its values.

Even as a young officer he was heralded as a genius, a reputation that grew when in WWI he planned and executed a nighttime movement of more than a half million troops from one battlefield to another that led to the armistice. Between the wars he helped modernize combat training, and re-staffed the U.S. Army's officer corps with the men who would lead in the next decades. But as WWII loomed, it was the role of army chief of staff in which Marshall's intellect and backbone were put to the test, when his blind commitment to duty would run up against the realities of Washington politics. Long seen as a stoic, almost statuesque figure, he emerges in these pages as a man both remarkable and deeply human, thanks to newly discovered sources.

Set against the backdrop of five major conflicts—two world wars, Palestine, Korea, and the Cold War—Marshall's education in military, diplomatic, and political power, replete with their nuances and ambiguities, runs parallel with America's emergence as a global superpower. The result is a defining account of one of our most consequential leaders.

Would we allow such a man to exist in today’s world?

A great biography of a great man. If you have read the biographies of Churchill, Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower this book will give you details from THE MAN in the room with all of them. You are given a front row seat at all the great events from WW1 through the Korean War. Like most biographies the author is flattering in his depiction but there is some good counterbalancing critique.
Unfortunately the author loses credibility when he gratuitously compares Obama’s Nobel Prize to G.CM’s and compares events in the 1940’s to Trump Tweets and the Russian collusion debacle.
This was totally unnecessary as the story of GCM makes ALL our current leaders look like sniveling narcissistic fools. I am astounded that any editor let the author make these statements. Thus 4 stars rather than 5. But the Man, GCM is a 5 star!

Focused and consistent.

When completed you won't have an intimate understanding of the man, but you will understand why he was chosen to serve as Chief of staff, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense all within 10 yrs. And you will have some degree of respect. Still there are a lot of holes.

The subtitle is 100% accurate!

There is no great drama or excitement here, but there’s seldom is when you have an excellent book about an excellent human being such as General Marshall. The history of true heroes is very seldom spellbinding because that’s not the way that excellent people typically are.

The author prepared a fair and well-written history of a great man, and the narrator did an excellent job presenting the material. This book should be required reading for anyone who wants to improve how they manage people and for military training and training of executives in all fields.

A great American story, every student of US military history should read.

An incredible life, led by one uniquely blessed with the highest values and character, we need more George C Marshall’s today!

Excellent book about a great man in trying times!

Narrator was great and book covered an immense and interesting portion on American history. Highly recommend the book.