Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur was one of the most prominent American military leaders of the 20th century. His extensive career began with service in World War I, where he distinguished himself as a decorated frontline commander. Between the wars, he served as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and later as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1930 to 1935, overseeing the Army during the Great Depression. He also served as a military advisor to the Commonwealth of the Philippines, being promoted to the unique rank of Field Marshal in the Philippine Army.

At the outbreak of World War II, MacArthur was the commander of U.S. Army Forces in the Far East. He led the unsuccessful defense of the Philippines against Japanese invasion but famously vowed "I shall return" upon his evacuation. For his leadership during the Philippines campaign, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, making him and his father Arthur MacArthur Jr. the first father-son recipients. As Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area, he orchestrated the island-hopping campaign that eventually led to the liberation of the Philippines and the defeat of Japan.

Following Japan's surrender, MacArthur served as the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, overseeing the successful occupation and reconstruction of Japan. His career culminated in the Korean War, where he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of United Nations Command. He planned and executed the brilliant amphibious landing at Inchon, which turned the tide of the war, but was later relieved of command by President Harry S. Truman for public disagreements over war policy. MacArthur remains one of only five men to hold the rank of General of the Army and is remembered as a highly decorated, influential, and often controversial figure in American history.