America 1919

Chapter 284: 134. Marshall and MacArthur_4



Actually, the two attended different military academies, George Marshall attended the Virginia Military Institute, while MacArthur attended the famous West Point.

But when they both later came to Fort Leavenworth's Cavalry School, they had already started to butt heads.

However, at this time, it was at most a rivalry between students vying for dominance.
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It wasn't until after the Sedan incident that their relationship completely went south!

Because of MacArthur's father's prestige in the military, even after the Sedan incident, MacArthur remained held aloft in the Military Department.

In contrast, Marshall, whose father had also served in World War I, didn't leave him any valuable connections.

So by 1932, through MacArthur's maneuvers, Marshall was directly transferred out of the regular troops and became the commander of the Illinois National Guard.

If it hadn't been for his favor with General Pan Xing, the only five-star general of the army in the United States during World War I, Marshall wouldn't have had the chance to turn things around!

At this moment, Robert suddenly realized, "So, you want me to go find MacArthur?"

The current MacArthur had already become the youngest superintendent in the history of West Point, a genuine big shot in the Military Department according to Hoover!

Donnie glanced at Robert and said, "You know MacArthur, but does MacArthur know you?"

Robert, somewhat lacking in confidence, said, "He should, he even awarded me the Commendation Star!"

The Commendation Star was a medal awarded for bravery in action during World War I, that is, the later Silver Star Medal.

Donnie chuckled and said, "Just because he awarded you the Commendation Star, you think if you go to him with money, he will help you? Do you believe that if you do that, he will definitely shoot you!"

Robert asked helplessly, "Then who should we go find?"

Donnie said, "I'm planning to pay a visit to Marshall!"

"Marshall?" Robert was stunned for a moment, then asked, "When did you get to know this member of the staff at headquarters?"

Donnie chuckled and said, "Do you really think that with Marshall's capabilities, he could draft such a vague order?"

Robert still didn't understand what Donnie meant, "Even if Marshall did that on purpose, you two shouldn't have any connection!"

Donnie explained, "Back in France at the time, there was a reconnaissance mission in the Expeditionary Force's General Staff, and Marshall was in charge of this mission. It was then that he built a rapport with our commander.

And I, at that time, happened to serve as a guard for Marshall in the 1st Division, and during that period, I saved Marshall's life under the muzzle of the Germans!"

Robert shook his head and said, "There are two problems, firstly, even if you have such a relationship with Marshall, you didn't seek Marshall's help for the George Kurle matter before, which shows that even you don't think Marshall would go against his own will to help. Now you go to him, and he will help you?

Secondly, as far as I know, the current Marshall is just a Colonel and a staff officer, he doesn't have the kind of power you're talking about!"

Donnie explained, "For the first question, at that time, I was just a penniless ex-soldier, naturally, Marshall had no reason to do anything for me.

But things are different now. I am one of the two most influential people in Atlantic City, owning the broadcasting company with the largest audience in the nation, the biggest bootlegger in the country, about to become friends with the soon-to-be President Harding. When these identities overlap, Marshall will certainly remember the time I saved his life.

The second issue is that Marshall's influence is naturally not enough, but you mustn't forget that even though Marshall is currently just a Colonel on the staff, he is also the chief aide to General Pan Xing of the Army.

If we can get to General Pan Xing through Marshall, then our current issue will no longer be an issue!"

Robert shook his head and said, "I still think this is a bit too far-fetched. Have you thought about how to make Marshall help you with this?"

Donnie replied, "There will always be a way. I imagine Marshall wouldn't like to see his peer, MacArthur, having become the Superintendent of West Point while he remains a mere staff Colonel, right?

You must know that although MacArthur's father left him a huge political network, Marshall has Pan Xing behind him. Anyway, Marshall's promotion shouldn't be slower than MacArthur's, should it?"

Marshall's father, although he had once run a coke furnace company and owned rich coal mines in Pennsylvania.

In fact, in the later years of Marshall's father's life, he had already lost his business due to poor management, and his later life was very straitened.

Even so, Marshall did not inherit his father's fortune but instead, it was his brother who inherited their father's estate.

On the other hand, MacArthur was different. His father not only left him a tremendous political network but also a substantial inheritance.

It is precisely the combination of these two assets that enabled MacArthur to overtake Marshall in his career path!

Now Donnie is perfectly positioned to solve such problems for Marshall.

Moreover, for Donnie, as long as he can use this opportunity to re-establish a new relationship with Marshall, in the future he will have secured a firm ally in the United States Military Department!

"Alright, if you think it's feasible to go ahead with this, I have no objections!"

Robert was finally persuaded by Donnie!

Donnie continued, "I must personally discuss this matter with Marshall, so I'll leave the affairs of Atlantic City to you!"

Robert was already accustomed to such directives from Donnie and nodded, "No problem, but aren't you waiting for those two companies' people?'

Donnie gestured dismissively, "No need to wait. They leaked this information to coerce us into agreeing to their price. And Hoover does have a point. What they really care about is selling off their own stock, not solving our issues.

As long as things on Marshall's side get sorted out, there won't be any problems on their end!"

"What about Nevin Byrd's issue in the East District?" Robert knew that Donnie was also responsible for addressing the trouble caused by Nevin Byrd!

Donnie laughed, "No rush. The Surf Hotel won't be completed until November. We have plenty of time. And as long as Nucky can deal with Shapiro Bent's trouble quickly, Nevin Byrd's trouble won't be an issue anymore!"

In the end, Robert asked, "So when do you plan to leave?"

"Tomorrow!"


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