Born:
Jan. 26, 1880
Macarthur was the son of a Civil War army officer. He graduated from West Point 1903, distinguished himself in World War I, and rose to become chief of staff 1930�35. He defended the Philippines against the Japanese forces 1941�42 and escaped to Australia, where he based his headquarters. He was responsible for the reconquest of New Guinea 1942�45 and of the Philippines 1944�45, being appointed general of the army 1944. As commander of the UN forces in the Korean War, he invaded the North 1950 until beaten back by Chinese troops; his threats to nuke China were seen as liable to start World War III. He was removed from command, but received a hero's welcome on his return to the USA.
Many people felt that Truman and the government were not letting Gen.MacArthur do his job. After he was removed he gave a powerful speech to Congress where he said the famous line "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
Place of Birth:
Arkansas
Military University:
West Point
Wars Fought:
-Mexican Expedition
-World War I
-World War II
-Korean War
Korean War:
US general in World War II, commander of US forces in the Far East and, from March 1942, of the Allied forces in the southwestern Pacific. After the surrender of Japan he commanded the Allied occupation forces there. During 1950 he commanded the UN forces in Korea, but in April 1951, after expressing views contrary to US and UN policy, he was relieved of all his commands by President Truman.
