MacArthur, Douglas (1880–1964)

US marines in action on the Korean front in 1951. Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, the United Nations sent troops to aid South Korea during the Korean War.

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 Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of an army officer, MacArthur graduated first in his class at West Point 1903, had a distinguished combat record in World War I, and rose to become chief of staff 1930–35. He defended the Philippines against the Japanese 1941–42 and escaped to Australia when his small force was overwhelmed and he was forced to surrender. He vowed at the time, ‘I shall return.’ He was responsible for the reconquest of New Guinea 1942–45 and of the Philippines 1944–45, being appointed general of the army 1944. He retired from the army, but when North Korea crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea 1950, he was asked to command UN forces to support the South's sovereignty.

After a surprise landing at Inchon forced the North Koreans to retreat, MacArthur invaded the North until beaten back by Chinese troops. After he was removed from command, he received a hero's welcome on his return to the USA.

MacArthur, Douglas (1909–1997)

US diplomat. He was a State Department counsellor and ambassador to Japan (1957–61) where he negotiated a second security pact between Japan and the USA. He was ambassador to Belgium (1961–65), Austria (1967–69), and Iran (1969–72). He later served as a business consultant. During World War II, he was a diplomatic secretary to Vichy France, and was imprisoned for 16 months by the Germans. MacArthur was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He was the nephew of General Douglas MacArthur.