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| Tommy Lee Jones as Douglas MacArthur Jr in Emperor (2012) |
One of the most controversial commanders in World War 2 is Douglas MacArthur. Pre-war he was posted to the Philippines (which was an American dependency at that time) as a military advisor in 1935. During World War 2, he became the Supreme Allied Commander of the South Pacific Area. Postwar, he oversaw the reconstruction of Japan, and to this day he is well-respected by the Japanese.
While famed for his "I shall return" speech after he evacuated the Philippines, Macarthur was also infamous for arguing with his colleagues and publicly disagreeing with his superiors. He was finally removed from command during the Korean War in 1951.
"I studied dramatics under MacArthur for seven years," President Eisenhower
This brings to question whether Douglas MacArthur was a competent commander.
MacArthur was brave
Without a doubt, General MacArthur is considered to be one of the most bravest commanders during the war. Stemming from his frontline leadership during the Veracruz campaign (1914) and World War 1 (1917-1918), he led the defence of Philippines (1941-1942) at the contested Corregidor Island. He only withdrew when ordered to evacuate. He nearly died during the invasion of Philippines when a bomb hit his observation location on 20 December 1941. He was more than 60 years of age at that time.
Without a doubt, General MacArthur is considered to be one of the most bravest commanders during the war. Stemming from his frontline leadership during the Veracruz campaign (1914) and World War 1 (1917-1918), he led the defence of Philippines (1941-1942) at the contested Corregidor Island. He only withdrew when ordered to evacuate. He nearly died during the invasion of Philippines when a bomb hit his observation location on 20 December 1941. He was more than 60 years of age at that time.
In addition, he would risk enemy fire by observing close to the front. When the Americans attempted to recapture the Philippines in 1944, he waded to the beaches before they were secured to fulfil his "I shall return" promise to the Philippines.
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| Liam Neeson as Douglas Macarthur in Operation Chromite (2016) |
MacArthur was charismatic
Another aspect of General MacArthur was his ability to garner support from his subordinates, peers and superiors. His ability to command loyalty and competence from his multinational force (Australian and Dutch) also adds to his resume.
In fact, he was so popular in the American public that he was seen as a rallying point as the United States reeled from the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the loss of Philippines. The Republicans only considered him as a Presidential Candidate in the mid-1940s.
MacArthur's strategies were hit-and-miss
What is more controversial is whether he was a good strategist.
What is more controversial is whether he was a good strategist.
During the invasion of Philippines, he blundered by placing most of his aircraft at Clark's Field, allowing the Japanese to disable the air power of the Philippines in one attack. In addition, his defensive strategy of trying to defend to whole main island of Philippines instead of focusing on a few key areas stretched his forces too thin.
To make things worse, his initial counter attack at New Guinea Campaign (1942 - 1945) resulted in high casualty rates as he underestimated the logistics required to combat the Japanese.
However as the war progressed, so that his strategies. He favoured leap frogging over the navy's island hopping strategy. His leap frogging focused on bypassing heavily defended areas like Formosa (Taiwan) and Rabaul to reduce casualties and starve out strongholds. The navy wanted to capture key port areas to reduce the time needed to find relevant facilities, but MacArthur overwrote them.
MacArthur also could coordinate air, land and naval power effectively. This was most prominent during the New Guinea Campaign. He used the air force to supply his troops on the ground, while the navy focused on blockading the enemy supplies.
He also understood the political significance of war, seeing both military and political objectives as one and the same. His insistence of the Liberation of Philippines (1944 - 1945) was vital because it showed the Americans determination and reliability to protect its dependencies.
Conclusion
General MacArthur was definitely courageous and charismatic, both important attributes as a military commander. What is called into question was his tactics, especially in the early stages of the Pacific Campaign. While it can be tempting to praise or condemn him exclusively, we must remember that humans are multifaceted.
General MacArthur was definitely courageous and charismatic, both important attributes as a military commander. What is called into question was his tactics, especially in the early stages of the Pacific Campaign. While it can be tempting to praise or condemn him exclusively, we must remember that humans are multifaceted.
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