General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American five-star general and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army.
He was Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s.
In 1942, MacArthur was appointed Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific. He spent two and a half years commanding an island-hopping campaign before famously returning to liberate the Philippines in October 1944. Wading ashore at Leyte, he announced, “I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil.”
Promoted to the rank of General of the Army in late 1944, he was soon given command of all Army forces in the Pacific. MacArthur officially accepted Japan’s surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, September 2, 1945. He awarded the Medal of Honor for his defense of the Philippines.
A letter of condolence was sent from his office to Mr. Clabe O. Wilson from A.P.O. 500, General Headquarters, United States Army Forces, Pacific, Office of the Commander-in-Chief.
So wonderful to receive letters that show their appreciation. He was a soldier, first, foremost and to the end.