Douglas MacArthur
The American general who accepted Japan's surrender and oversaw the occupation reforms, and was later relieved of command during the Korean War.
Life
West Point family
MacArthur came from a military family and graduated from West Point. He won numerous medals in World War I and later served as superintendent of West Point and as Army chief of staff.
I shall return
Early in the Pacific War he was defeated by the Japanese in the Philippines, and on withdrawing to Australia he declared, "I shall return"; in 1944 he led his forces back into the Philippines. On September 2, 1945, he accepted Japan's surrender aboard the USS Missouri, and then, as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, he directed the occupation of Japan, pushing Japan to adopt a new constitution and carry out land reform.
Accepting surrender and dismissal
In the Korean War he commanded the Incheon landing, then, ignoring China's warnings, drove his forces up toward the Yalu River, only to be pushed back by the Chinese People's Volunteers. He advocated bombing China, clashed with President Truman, and was relieved of command in 1951.
Legacy
MacArthur is one of the most controversial American generals of the 20th century: the reforms he oversaw in Japan had far-reaching effects, but his recklessness and insubordination in the Korean War were also widely criticized.
Major works & achievements
- Reminiscences
Did you know? In his farewell address to Congress he said: "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away."
Key dates
- 1919Became superintendent of West Point
- 1942Withdrew from the Philippines
- 1945Accepted Japan's surrender
- 1950Commanded the Incheon landing
- 1951Dismissed by Truman
- 1964Died