One of Arlington’s Unheralded American Treasures

By James T. Windle

More than barbeques and fireworks, the Fourth of July marks the day when a brave group of men collectively declared American independence in 1776.  Their declaration marked the first of many wars that would be fought to defend or promote American freedoms.  In Arlington we are surrounded by symbols erected to honor those who have fallen in pursuit of that goal.

Arlington Cemetery stands as a dramatic and constant reminder of the costs of freedom.  It is a place of overwhelming history where every visit offers a lesson.  A recent visit to Arlington prompted me to explore the life of one of America’s most famous and unheralded leaders, and taught me how an “ordinary” American soldier could make an extraordinary difference in preserving American freedoms.

Five-star general George Catlett Marshall (1880-1959) is arguably one of the most accomplished men in American history.  Winston Churchill described Marshall as the “organizer of victory” of World War II.  In 1944 and 1947 Time magazine declared Marshall as “Man of the Year.”  He was President Truman’s special envoy to China after the War.  The General became the Secretary of State from 1947-1948 and one of the architects of the “Marshall Plan” to rebuild war-torn Europe.  He was also Secretary of Defense and the President of the American Red Cross. 

Yet, Marshall’s incredible career was far from inevitable.  While extremely capable, he was an officer with only modest prospects for promotion throughout most of his career.  Only after toiling for many years did Marshall get his opportunity.  He assumed the position of U.S. Army Chief of Staff in 1939 and, subsequently, contributed to every major foreign policy decision over the next decade.

When I visited Arlington Cemetery recently, I planned to pay my respects to the General.  This was not as easy as I thought.  Marshall had requested, “Bury me simply, like an ordinary officer of the U.S. Army who has served his country honorably.  No fuss.”  Marshall’s request was granted.  Today, despite Marshall’s contribution to American history, his gravesite does not make the “Top 21 Points of Interest” on Arlington Cemetery’s Visitor map.

I looked to the helpful staff at the Visitor’s center for assistance.  One of the staff members looked through maps and computer databases before remembering a resource of last resort.  She reached underneath the countertop to pull out a small, plastic box, a relic that looked like it was last used in 1970.  It contained brown, stained index cards with names ordered alphabetically.  She flipped back to the “M” section and pulled out George C. Marshall.  We both squinted to read the faded ink, but it was the General: Grave 8198, Section 7.

I arrived at the vicinity of General Marshall’s gravesite and proceeded down a steep grassy hillside.  After a few minutes of searching, I arrived at the General’s final resting place.  The unworn grass leading to and around his gravesite supported his anonymity.  He was buried like an ordinary Army officer. 

George Marshall represented the best of America.  He expected to disappear from public life to his home in Leesburg, Virginia, in his retirement.  He had served in both World Wars and dedicated his entire adult life to the United States Army.  Still, when the President called him back to public service time and time again, he answered the call.  His motive was never his own legend.  It was to serve the national and public interest. 

There are few indications that Marshall viewed himself as extraordinary.  He lived as he is buried at Arlington Cemetery: simply and anonymously.  As a result, it may take visitors a little determination to pay their respects to this great American.  It takes no effort to recognize, however, that Marshall represented an ordinary American who made an extraordinary difference.