AboutTom Expertise While it is a huge topic, I am well-versed in World War II generally. There is a huge wealth of information available on the internet, HOWEVER, one has to know the trash from the gems. Many sites which are not obviously credible (govt, university, and museum sites, for ex.), provide erroneous information (intentionally or otherwise).
Experience BA in history, and been reading and studying WW2 as my 'hobby' for 30 years. Regular contributor to several online forums in military history, WW2, and related areas and topics.
Organizations None relevant to this topic.
Education/Credentials BA, History (Secondary Education), with minor in Geography
US Army Engineer Officer (Officer Basic and Advanced Courses)
Expert: Tom Date: 6/20/2008 Subject: General MacArthur
Question Hello Sir…
This is from India and while studying some prominent segments of WWII history, I always see me in wonderment in respect of that one of the greatest commanders the history witnessed…General Douglas MacArthur…The historians claim that no soldier in modern history has been more admired or more reviled than General MacArthur. If that’s the case, then what exactly went wrong with his credentials that he almost died in oblivion in 1964? I know he received State honors of all kinds in funeral, yet I wish to know whether ordinary American citizen (of that era) felt something precious left from the soil?
Thanks,
Raj
Answer Astoundingly good question. It is indeed a fascinating topic, and there are in fact many books written on Mac, or which touch on him and his 4 key roles in his lifetime:
1) His efforts to develop the Philippines for independence (1930s into WW2), focused on their military defenses in particular
2) His leading the Southwest Pacific theatre offensive (rallying US, Australian and allied forces from Australia back to the Philippines)
3) His key role in the occupation and reconstruction of Japan following WW2.
4) And finally, his role as the leader of the US (UN) defense of South Korea.
I am no great follower of MacArthur, but if this is something you really want to follow up on and understand, you have to find and read the book by his biographer, Manchester, called "American Caesar". Manchester has been criticized for being too pro-MacArthur, and glossing over his mistakes, but that book is central to understanding the man and the events of his life.
He did die in near oblivion, but remember that he was fired from his job as UN (US) commander in Korea, and by then was already an old man. He had seen and done incredible things, and so in his speech to Congress after his firing, he probably stated exactly what he knew was right, and necessary, and probably desired: he became an old soldier who just faded away. (video of that event is on the net, by the way, so you can see his speech).
Please feel free to ask others on this forum or elsewhere the same question, as there are followers of Mac who could expound on this more than I.
historychannel.com, WW2 forum is one.
