As Western Europe was rebuilt, Europe was divided both economically and ideologically. When it became evident that the gap between Eastern and Western Europe would not be bridged and Western Europeans were fearing for their safety, Marshall was one of the leaders who established NATO, which would ensure the security of the West. With NATO in 1949, a balance of power was achieved in Europe that endured until the end of the Cold War.

In Marshall's last official position, as Secretary of Defense from 1950-51, he oversaw the formation of an internal force under the United Nations, that turned back the North Korean invasion of South Korea. After 1951 Marshall remained on the active-duty list as the highest ranking general of the army, available for consultation by the government.

In December 1953, Marshall received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, for his work on the Marshall Plan and service for peace and recovery from World War II. Marshall's objective was to reach out to the nations of Eastern Europe and win a community of nations as partners. It was a fitting tribute to a career devoted to cooperation and understanding among nations. He is the only soldier ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The principles of Marshall's vision for post-World War II Europe persisted in the post-Cold-War period, an unprecedented opportunity not to advance the policy of any particular nation, but to advance the well-being of all nations.

After an illustrious career of service to his country, George Catlett Marshall died in Washington, D.C. on October 16, 1959. His legacy of service building peaceful international relationships has continued to inspire today's world leadership.

Ferrell, Robert H.
George C. Marshall as Secretary of State, 1947-1949
New York: Cooper Square, 1966.
Volume fifteen in the American Secretaries of State and Their Diplomacy series.

Bland, Larry I., Barber, James B.
George C. Marshall: Soldier of Peace
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997