TRIBUTE PAID

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 30 November 1945, Page 6

TRIBUTE PAID

U.S. ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF ONE OF HISTORY’S GREAT COMMANDERS Washington, Nov. 27. Pinning the Oak Leaf Cluster on the U.S. Army Chief of Staff, General Marshall, D.S.M. of the first world war, President Truman said that it was his vision that brought into being history’s greatest military force. He made the Allies understand the true potentiality of American greatness. In personnel and material he was able to exercise a greater influence than any other on the strategy of victory. General Marshall was th e first who recognised that victory depended on the United States capacity to ring the earth with far-flung supply lines and to arm every willing Ally and to overcome th e aggressors with superior fire power. He was the master proponent of the ground as--1 sault across the English Channel to Western Europe directed by the Supreme Allied Commander. General Marshall insisted on unremitting pressure against the Japanese, preventing th e entrenchment of their stolen empire, thereby enabling a timely advar~e across the Pacific. He obtained from Congress stupendous sums, making the atomic bomb possible, well knowing that failure would b e his full responsibility. He takes his place at the head of history’s great commanders. General Marshall paid tribute to all in the nation who had contributed to victory, but said that the greatest praise was due to th e soldiers of the Army. Th e world was looking to America for leadership and he was certain that a nation with good faith sincerely desired to take action in measures necessary to avoid another world catastrophe.