MacArthur, Douglas (1880–1964)

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.

Born in Arkansas, MacArthur was the son of an army officer. He graduated from West Point in 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 in 1944. As commander of the UN forces in the Korean War, he invaded the North in 1950 until beaten back by Chinese troops; his threats to bomb China were seen as liable to start World War III and he was removed from command, but received a hero's welcome on his return to the USA.