10 giug 1948 anni - Death of Mickey Marcus

Descrizione:

David Daniel "Mickey" Marcus (1901–1948) was a key figure in the establishment of the Israeli military, serving as Israel's first modern general (Aluf) during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Born in New York to Romanian Jewish immigrants, he graduated from West Point in 1924 and later pursued a law degree. Marcus gained prominence as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York, where he prosecuted notable criminals including Lucky Luciano.

During World War II, Marcus rose to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he played a significant role in shaping U.S. military civil affairs policies and organizing the war crimes trials in Germany and Japan. His military service included assignments at major international conferences and in the planning of occupation governments in Axis-controlled territories.

Post-World War II, Marcus was deeply involved in organizing legal and security procedures for the Nuremberg trials. He was offered a promotion to Brigadier General but chose to return to civilian life and his legal practice. His experiences at Dachau concentration camp during his military service profoundly impacted him, influencing his views on a Jewish state.

In 1947, upon request from David Ben-Gurion, Marcus volunteered to help organize and advise the nascent Israeli army, the Haganah. Arriving in Palestine under the pseudonym "Michael Stone," he played a pivotal role in structuring Israel's military defenses, particularly on the Jerusalem front, where he was appointed as the commander.

Marcus's strategic initiatives included the construction of the "Burma Road to Jerusalem," which was crucial in breaking the siege of Jerusalem. Unfortunately, he was killed by friendly fire in June 1948. His death was controversial, and investigations into the incident suggested possible involvement or errors by other factions within the Israeli forces.

Marcus's legacy is significant; he is remembered as a skilled organizer and a dedicated leader who played a critical role during a pivotal period in Israeli history. His life story was popularized in the 1966 film "Cast a Giant Shadow," where he was portrayed by Kirk Douglas. Marcus is buried at West Point, honored both in the United States and Israel for his contributions to military leadership and the formation of the Israeli Defense Forces.

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