Douglas MacArthur

A picture of Douglas MacArthurs family (http://www.mccsc.edu/~jcmslib/mlk /macarthur/pinky.htm)

Douglas MacArthur was a son of Arthur MacArthur, a high-ranking military figure, and was born in Scotland, but was raised in America. His mother was Pinky MacArthur. Douglas MacArthur was born in little Rock, Arkansas on Januarry 26, 1880. Douglas was a poor student. He graduated first in his class in 1903 at West Point. Pinkey, which is short for Pinkney, was born into an old Virginia colonial family. His mother was very dear to him and taught him a very important lesson: "You'll win if you don't lose your nerve. You must believe in yourself my son, or no one else will believe in you."

He was one of the most popular and accomplished military leaders of the 20th century. One such accomplishment was commanding the Allied forces during World war II. Later he was sent to the Philippines as an aide for his father during the years of (1922-1925), then was sent back to help with the organization of defense for the independence of the Philippines. During the years between the commanding World War II Allied forces, he was servng as the Chief of Staff of the Army.

Douglas MacArthur retired in 1937, feeling that his purpose in helping the Phillipine people was left undone. He was recalled when it seemed imminent that there would be a war with Japan in 1941. Being overrun by Japanese forces in Bataan, he was ordered by President Franklin Roosevelt to retreat to Australia. Before he retreated he made a promise to the Philippine people that, "I shall return."

He became the supreme commander of the Allied forces in the Southwst Pacific in 1942 and by 1945 he liberated the Philippines on the way to invading Japan. He accepted the surrender made by the Japanese in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945 then led the occupation forces in the reconstruction of Japan. Douglas Macarthur was relieved of his duty by President Harry Truman in 1951. His famous quote, "Old soliders never die, they just fade away," was said in his speech before Congress. Douglas MacArthur is still known to be courageous and a national hero. His stategies during his amphibious campaigns during World War II and Korea is known to be the most clever in military history.