Army West Point Athletics
Feature Friday: The Marshall Plaque
November 04, 2016 | Football
WEST POINT, N.Y. - There are college football traditions all over this country, but few have more significance than touching the Marshall Plaque before running onto Blaik Field at Michie Stadium.
At every game, home or away, Army West Point Football players will take the field after placing their hands as they pass by the bronze Marshall Plaque which is held by an Army officer with affiliations to the team.
The wording on a bronze plaque, placed near the southeast corner of Michie Stadium, has been recognized over the years as a splendid compliment, not only to West Point, but also to the long line of West Point football players who are a unique breed, indeed.
Gen. George C. Marshall, then-Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army, needed an officer to train and lead a ranger-type battalion on a secret mission. He requested the Secretary of the General Staff to obtain this officer. Little did the famous Virginia Military Institute graduate realize, but he was furnishing the words that later were to become of utmost importance to the U.S. Military Academy. His orders were simple and concise.
"I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point Football player!"
It was only an ordinary statement made during the busy, everyday activities at the Pentagon; but it was a remark that came at a very crucial period of World War II, and one that was destined to join other well-remembered phrases which at a particular times, supplied the needed inspiration to accomplish a task.
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At every game, home or away, Army West Point Football players will take the field after placing their hands as they pass by the bronze Marshall Plaque which is held by an Army officer with affiliations to the team.
The wording on a bronze plaque, placed near the southeast corner of Michie Stadium, has been recognized over the years as a splendid compliment, not only to West Point, but also to the long line of West Point football players who are a unique breed, indeed.
Gen. George C. Marshall, then-Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army, needed an officer to train and lead a ranger-type battalion on a secret mission. He requested the Secretary of the General Staff to obtain this officer. Little did the famous Virginia Military Institute graduate realize, but he was furnishing the words that later were to become of utmost importance to the U.S. Military Academy. His orders were simple and concise.
"I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point Football player!"
It was only an ordinary statement made during the busy, everyday activities at the Pentagon; but it was a remark that came at a very crucial period of World War II, and one that was destined to join other well-remembered phrases which at a particular times, supplied the needed inspiration to accomplish a task.
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