Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964), who as five-star General of the Army held the highest rank in the United States Army, earned the reputation of one of the most complex and controversial figures in U.S. history. He served as First Captain of his class at the United States Military Academy at West Point, the most responsible of student assignments, yet his mother stayed in a hotel just outside to be sure he did well. He served among the leading Allied commanders against the Empire of Japan during World War II — as commander of the Southwest Pacific Theater — and presided over the surrender of Japan and over the post-war occupation and redevelopment of the country, yet was greatly admired by the Japanese over whom he ruled. An eloquent speaker for his conception of American values, he left his military career as a field commander during the Korean War, relieved of command by President Harry S. Truman for refusal to accept civilian command. In later civilian life, he developed severe liver disease from which he died, having eschewed medical treatment due to distrust of doctors.