Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur (1880 to 1964) was an American general who graduated first in his class at West Point in 1903 and went on to serve in the First World War, as Superintendent of the Military Academy, and as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1930 to 1935. After retiring he advised the Philippine government and held the rank of Field Marshal in the Philippine Army. Recalled to active duty in 1941, he escaped the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, commanded Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific, directed the New Guinea campaign and led the liberation of the Philippines, and was promoted to General of the Army. He accepted the Japanese surrender, then ruled occupied Japan as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, overseeing demilitarization and democratic reforms. He led United Nations forces in the Korean War until President Truman removed him from command in April 1951.