General Douglas Macarthur in Wwii

General Douglas MacArthur

Nathan Adcock

Douglas MacArthur was born January 20th, 1880 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was destined for greatness from his early start in military. He had joined a military academy in Texas, fought in the Mexican Revolution, fought in both World Wars, Korea, and had received several prestigious honors from both the United States governments, and others, including several European and Pacific nations. He was also, at one point, Superintendent of West Point Academy. However, this paper shall cover his triumphs, losses, and often superior strategy during the Pacific Campaign of World War II.

MacArthur's involvement in the war began after he was called back into military service, from developing a defensive strategy for the Philippines. (And while he was there, he married.) As had been said, he was recalled into active duty as a Lieutenant-General in July, 1941. Despite advance warning from others, MacArthur's forces were forced to retreat to the island of Bataan after a serious defeat during the battle for the Philippines. Britannica has said, "In part, this reflected Japanese military superiority, but it also followed from MacArthur's assessment of Japan's unwillingness to attack the Philippines" which shows that MacArthur doubted the Japanese would even think of attacking the Philippines, or more than likely any other American-Controlled Pacific territory. (In hindsight, this seems foolish since America became involved due to the Japanese attacked an American-Controlled Pacific Territory.) MacArthur was of course, planning on trying to retake the Philippines, but as the situation was hopeless, he was ordered to withdraw to Australia to take command of Pacific Operations. Reluctantly, MacArthur agreed, and accompanied by his wife and child, they set out on a daring escape by patrol torpedo boat. Dismayed by the bitter American defeat and by the apparent abandonment of the men at Bataan, he vowed upon arrival, "I came through and I shall return."

After the Philippines' defeat, MacArthur began the long campaign