World War II - American Military Leader

World War II - American Military Leader

Introduction

Douglas MacArthur (1880 - 1964) was a United State`s military personalities of great prestige of the of the twentieth century. General MacArthur demonstrated leadership qualities and significant strategic capabilities during the numerous war campaigns in which he took part, particularly during the World War II as well as the Korean War (David, 2000). Therefore, his strategy leads to the conquest of the territory taken by the Japanese early in the war. His most vital success was the conquest of the Philippines (October 1944-July 1945), during which he was promoted to the position of general (Merrick, 1969).

He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. MacArthur was the son of Athur and Mary Pickney Hardy. He came from a family of military tradition, as his members of the families served in the U.S. Army and his father took part in the Civil War. It is no wonder that the young Douglas received the education in the spirit of patriotism and tradition. In 1893, Douglas began his education at Episcopal School of Texas. He was a model student, received excellent reviews and checked in various scientific fields. No wonder then that he decided to use his uncommon abilities (Geoffrey, 1996). This was confirmed by science at West Point, which he began in 1898. In 1903, he completed education at the famous military academy to obtain the best result out of 93 graduates. He obtained a second lieutenant and was assigned to a U.S. Army unit in the Philippines. He traveled a lot, which was connected with the work assigned to him. From 1905 to 1906, he traveled to the Far East, accompanying his father on the expedition. Then, in 1908, graduated from the School of Engineers, and soon took up engineering work. In 1911, he was promoted to the rank of captain. A year later, he worked in the General Staff Academy in Fort Leavenworth, was also working in the War Department in Washington (Lowitt, 1967).

Thesis Statement

Douglas MacArthur was regarded as one of the famous American military leaders of World War II.

Discussion

In the year 1914, he got posted on the US-Mexican border. Indeed, organized military expedition to Veracruz, where MacArthur was marked by bravado and courage, for which he earned his American honors award. He was quickly promoted because of his abilities and courage (Geoffrey, 1996). He gained the necessary experience that found to be beneficial for him at this stage. His activities in the field of development of the U.S. military superiors noticed and appreciated appointing Colonel MacArthur. The nomination was given in August 1917. At that time, conflict in Europe took alarming proportions, forcing the Americans to get involved.

During World War I, MacArthur was sent to France, where he held the position of Chief of Staff of the 42nd Infantry Division. Then, he took command of the 84th Infantry Brigade. During the conflict, became the youngest ever U.S. Army Brigadier General (appointed in June 1918), and he got a ...