Douglas MacArthur is known as one of the greatest American Generals. MacArthur is most recognized for his command of the Allied Forces in the Pacific Theater during WWII. General Douglas MacArthur played a pivotal role in many conflicts in the United States and contributed to many American military achievements.

The Life Story of General Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur led an impressive military career throughout his long life, becoming one of the greatest American heroes in history. Learn more about his life and accomplishments here.

Early Life

MacArthur was born on January 26th, 1880, on the Army base in Little Rock, Kansas. From the start of his life, he was engulfed in a rich family military history. His father served for the Union during the Civil War and was a Captain when MacArthur was born. MacArthur also had uncles who served in the Confederacy.

After MacArthur’s birth, his family moved to San Antonio in 1893, where he would attend West Texas Military Academy during his high school years. After his time at his high school military academy, he would go on to attend West Point, the most well-renowned military school in the country. MacArthur would graduate with honors in 1903.

Douglas MacArthur quickly found success after starting his career and becoming a junior officer in the Army Corps of Engineers. Thanks to these early successes, he quickly rose in the ranks and received promotions during his military career.

WWI

At the start of WWI, Douglas MacArthur was promoted to Major and assigned to an intelligence unit. However, after the United States officially declared war on Germany, he was quickly promoted to Colonel to command the newly created 42nd Division. In 1918, MacArthur would succeed in the St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Sedan offensives. During WWI, his service would prove him to be a talented and capable military leader.

Between the World Wars

During the lull between WWI and WWII, MacArthur returned to the U.S. to start a new position as the Superintendent of West Point where he remained for three years. During the same time in his role as Superintendent, he was also promoted to Brigadier General. Once his time as Superintendent ended, he would experience various military posts and serve as the head of the American Olympic Committee.

Later, MacArthur was appointed as Army Chief of Staff, where he focused on maintaining and strengthening the Army forces. After the impressive work MacArthur completed as Army Chief of Staff, President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to work with MacArthur, making him his military adviser to the Philippines in 1935. MacArthur went to the Philippines to establish a defensive military force.

WWII

As World War II was ramping up, MacArthur returned to active duty and became the commander of the U.S. forces in the Pacific. After a surprise attack from the Japanese in 1941, the air force under MacArthur’s control was destroyed, forcing them to retreat to the Bataan peninsula and later to Australia under the orders of President Roosevelt. When the United States and Philippian forces fell to the Japanese in May of 1942, MacArthur promised, “I shall return.”

In the Southwest Pacific, Douglas MacArthur was appointed as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces. For the next two and a half years, MacArthur led the operation to return to liberate the Philippines in October 1944. During the liberation, he famously stated, “I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil.”

After MacArthur assisted in the liberation of the Philippines, he was given command of all Allied Forces in December 1944 and accepted the official surrender from the Japanese on September 2nd, 1945.

Korean War

Once North Korea invaded South Korea, MacArthur was placed in the command of the United Nations forces and helped drive back the North Korean attack. However, he did not expect attacks from the Chinese Forces and had to retreat.

MacArthur was outspoken that the war should be expanded to China. President Truman warned him to keep his opinion to himself. With MacArthur’s refusal to stay quiet on the subject, President Truman relieved him of his command in 1951.

Post Military Career

After MacArthur’s long military service, he was welcomed back into the United States as an honored hero. Many cities honored his return with parades and celebrations. In 1952 there were calls for MacArthur to run as the Republican Nominee. Instead, the party would nominate Dwight Eisenhower, who would win the general election. That same year, MacArthur became the chairman of the Remington Rand. He would finish his working career with the company.

On April 5, 1964, Douglas MacArthur died at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., at 84 years old. He was honored with a state funeral and buried at the Douglas MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia.

Remembering an American Hero

Military Luggage Company wants to take this moment to honor General Douglas MacArthur, a great American hero who was pivotal in the success of our military. We recognize his honor and his sacrifice and hope others take this as an opportunity to remember this great military leader and his contributions to our victories. General Douglas MacArthur will forever be known as an American Hero for his life of service and leadership to our great nation.