George Catlett Marshall  

Joe Lipsius
Hq 272nd Infantry Regiment 
Joseph Lipsius

Today, "members of the greatest generation" recall this name with awe and reverence. Army Chief of Staff during WWII; first five star General of the Army; after the war, President Truman's special counsel to China; President of The American Red Cross; Secretary of State; only military man to become Secretary of Defense; Delegate to the United Nations and creator of the "Marshall Plan" to save Europe.  

Back at Camp Shelby in 1944 while serving as S-3 of the 272nd Infantry Regiment, Regimental Commander Charles T. "Buck" Lanham informed me that General Marshall was visiting Camp Shelby to make an inspection.  One of the thing he wanted to see was a rifle company of the 272nd put on a demonstration of a "Rifle Company In the Attack."  In  later years, I would learn our regiment was selected  because "Buck" Lanham  was one of his most admired young officers from their service at Ft Benning together, as well as from Lanham's skill in creating Field Manuals while on this assignment in Washington, and his success in making military training films with film maker Darryl F. Zanuck, founder of 20th Century Fox Studios.  

Accompanying the General to witness the demonstration was the Camp Commander, whose name I don't recall, Major General Charles L. Bolte and Brigadier General Floyd L. Parks, Commander and Assistant Commander of the 69th Infantry Division, at the time.  No doubt other dignitaries were with the entourage.  

The Company that was selected by Colonel Lanham was thought to be the best trained Rifle Company in the Regiment.   I wish I remembered which Company was involved but I don't. I am hoping a Company member who took part will write me!  

I accompanied Colonel Lanham to the demonstration being his Operations Staff Officer.  

My main remembrance of the event is that after the demonstration, the Company was assembled and seated in front of General Marshall where he spoke to them for a few minutes.  I will never forget the earnest and solemn talk he made in his steady deliberate manner bringing the war to us and our part in it.  When he finished speaking, the Company arose and all saluted the General,  He turned and left.    

After hearing General Marshall's inspiring talk, I am sure we all returned to our training with  vigor to become better trained soldiers and take part in ending the war.  

I remember George Catlett Marshall.