Historical Figure
Douglas MacArthur
1880–1964
American general (1880–1964)
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Biography
Douglas MacArthur was an American general who served as a top commander during World War II and the Korean War, achieving the rank of General of the Army. He served with distinction in World War I; as chief of staff of the United States Army from 1930 to 1935; as Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area, from 1942 to 1945; as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers overseeing the occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1951; and as head of the United Nations Command in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951. MacArthur was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times, and awarded it for his WWII service in the Philippines. He is one of only five people to hold the rank of General of the Army, and the only person to hold the rank of Field Marshal in the Philippine Army.
In Their Own Words (5)
It seems strangely difficult for some to realize that here in Asia is where the Communist conspirators have elected to make their play for global conquest, and that we have joined the issue thus raised on the battlefield; that here we fight Europe’s war with arms while the diplomats there still fight it with words; that if we lose the war to communism in Asia the fall of Europe is inevitable, win it and Europe most probably would avoid war and yet preserve freedom. As you pointed out, we must win. There is no substitute for victory.
Letter to Representative Joseph W. Martin, Jr., (20 March 1951); read to the House by Martin on April 5. , 1951
The soldier, be he friend or foe, is charged with the protection of the weak and unarmed. It is the very essence and reason for his being. When he violates this sacred trust, he not only profanes his entire cult but threatens the very fabric of international society. The traditions of fighting men are long and honorable. They are based upon the noblest of human traits—sacrifice.
From a 1946 statement by MacArthur confirming the death sentence imposed by a U. S. military commission on Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita, as quoted in MacArthur's Reminscences (McGraw-Hill, 1964) p. 295. Also used as the epigraph to Telford Taylor's Nuremberg and Vietnam: An American Tragedy (New York: Bantam, 1970). , 1946
Only those are fit to live who are not afraid of dying.
Richards Topical Encyclopedia (1951) , 1951
The days of the frontal attack are over. Modern infantry weapons are too deadly, and frontal assault is only for mediocre commanders. Good commanders do not turn in heavy losses.
p. 198 , 1964
I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil.
On landing in Leyte, Philippines (20 October 1944) , 1944
Timeline
The story of Douglas MacArthur, told in moments.
Led the 42nd "Rainbow" Division in France. Promoted from major to colonel rapidly. Refused to wear a gas mask or carry a weapon. He was gassed twice and wounded twice.
Escaped the Philippines by PT boat as the Japanese closed in, leaving behind 76,000 troops who surrendered at Bataan. "I shall return," he said. He meant it.
Accepted Japan's formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. He then governed occupied Japan for six years, overseeing a new constitution, land reform, and women's suffrage.
President Truman fired him for insubordination during the Korean War. MacArthur had publicly pushed to bomb China. He addressed Congress and said, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
Died at Walter Reed Hospital at 84.
Artifacts (4)
6c General Douglas MacArthur plate proof
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
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