Douglas MacArthur

:For the municipality in the Philippines, see General MacArthur, Eastern Samar.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Douglas MacArthur (26 January 1880-5 April 1964) was an American military leader. He served in the U.S. Army most of his life, taking part in three major wars (World War I, World War II, Korean War) and rising to the rank of General of the Army, one of only five people to hold that rank in U.S. history. President Manuel L. Quezon of the Philippines also made him a Field Marshal in 1937, the only American to ever hold such a rank, which he held until his death.

Related Topics:
26 January - 1880 - 5 April - 1964 - American military - U.S. Army - War - World War I - World War II - Korean War - Rank - General of the Army - U.S. history - Manuel L. Quezon - Philippines - Field Marshal

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One of the most decorated soldiers in the history of the United States military, MacArthur became famous for both losing and retaking the Philippines during World War II. He was appointed Supreme Allied Commander in the South West Pacific Area and led a series of military victories by Allied forces in the theatre. After Imperial Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945, MacArthur became the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, rebuilding Japan during the Allied occupation. During the Korean War, MacArthur was removed from command for insubordination to U.S. President Harry S. Truman, causing a national controversy.

Related Topics:
Philippines - South West Pacific Area - Imperial Japan - Surrendered - 1945 - Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers - Allied occupation - Insubordination - U.S. President - Harry S. Truman

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MacArthur remains one of the most controversial figures in American history. While greatly admired by many for his strategic and tactical brilliance, MacArthur is also criticized by many for his actions in command, such as his role in putting down the Bonus Army, his command in the Philippines and New Guinea, and his challenge to Truman during the Cold War. MacArthur was also criticized for his egotistical attitude. Shortly before he died, he was given the nickname "Gaijin Shogun" ("foreign military leader") a title which former Honor Guard and author David Valley believed that MacArthur would have appreciated.

Related Topics:
Strategic - Tactical - Bonus Army - Philippines - New Guinea - Cold War - Ego - Gaijin Shogun

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~