American Caesar

Douglas MacArthur (1880 - 1964) is the most polarizing military leader in US History. His nicknames include Dugout Doug, Big Chief, and American Caesar. Supporters point out his many accomplishments while detractors point out his failures. We can learn from him without loving nor hating him.

?He spent his life in service to his country. While he didn’t always serve selflessly, he wore a uniform from 1899 until 1951. His father Arthur MacArthur was an Army general and Medal of Honor recipient. Arthur never became Army Chief of Staff due to his inability to get along with William Howard Taft.

Determined to follow in his famous father’s footsteps, Douglass graduated 1st in his class from West Point. He was a fearless and flamboyant combat leader winning many battles. He earned but didn’t gain the Medal of Honor in WW I. He received the Medal during World War II without earning it. In a classic case of screw up, move up, the Army awarded him the Medal of Honor to cover his flight from the Philippines. Like his father, Douglas MacArthur also had political issues. Inside the Army he battled with senior generals. Outside the Army he battled with politicians. President Truman relieved, recalled, and retired him in 1951.

MacArthur had successes and failures in WW I, WW II, and the Korean War. In WW I he commanded an infantry brigade. He led attacks from the front and never shied away from a dangerous assignment. He was wounded in action and suffered from toxic gas exposure. He should have won a Medal of Honor, but jealous senior officers kept him in his place. He received two Distinguished Service Crosses and seven Silver Stars for bravery. He was unable to hold his tongue and insulted BlackJack Pershing making an enemy he didn’t need.

When Pearl Harbor pulled the US into WW II, MacArthur was on the ground in the Philippines - as were his airplanes. B-17s and P-40s were the cornerstone of US air support. Japan destroyed more than half of each on the ground while MacArthur dithered about what to do. When combined forces in the Philippines ran out of ammunition and supplies, defeat was inevitable. MacArthur gave his infamous “I Shall Return” speech, and -under orders - fled to Australia. The Navy and Marines began turning the tide against Japan in 1942. MacArthur began an Army island hopping/leapfrogging campaign. He captured positions by maneuver where possible, and those positions became air bases. Those bases enabled the next assault. He advanced over land only when necessary, including the Owen Stanley Ranges in 1942. MacArthur promoted the differences in casualties for his soldiers versus the Marines. He returned to the Philippines in October 1944.

Between WW II and Korea, MacArthur led the occupation and rebuilding of Japan. He did an amazing job of helping get Japan back on its feet after the destruction of most of its infrastructure. He laid the groundwork for Japan’s recovery and success.

When North Korea surprised South Korea in 1951, MacArthur was asleep at the switch. The post-WW II drawdown left marginal forces in the Far East. He rushed his few American troops into action and stabilized the “Pusan perimeter.” Ignoring the advice of experts – both Navy & Marine - he ordered an amphibious assault at Incheon. His operational masterstroke outflanked, cut off, and crushed the North Korean invaders. His forces reestablished the border and pushed north to finish the war. Pride, arrogance, and his air of invincibility caught up to him. MacArthur ignored all warnings and intel that did not conform to his world view. Against little to no resistance, he pushed his forces to the Chinese border. China counterattacked and inflicted massive casualties. The Chinese reestablished the original border and threatened to continue the attack. MacArthur feared the Chinese would push UN Forces off the peninsula. He asked for nuclear weapons and permission to bomb assembly areas inside China. President Truman refused. MacArthur blamed and challenged Truman. He complained to the press that his hands were being tied. Truman tired of MacArthur’s insubordination. He relieved MacArthur and brought him back to the mainland.

After Korea, MacArthur dabbled in politics, but he was out of his element. He was a gifted military strategist, but he didn’t have the requisite political skills. He traveled the country accepting accolades and received visiting dignitaries and presidential candidates. In 1964, he died of multiple organ failure.

MacArthur’s strengths and weaknesses were legendary. He was brave, brilliant, and benevolent. He was also authoritative, arrogant, and antagonistic. He is a great case study of a man who was so successful, that he left reality behind. He began living in the world of “MacArthur” he created in his head. We can learn from his example. When we succeed, we should credit the team and thank everyone for the opportunity. When we fail, we must take the blame upon ourselves, learn our lessons, and come back stronger and wiser.