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MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific
World War II changed the course of history. Douglas MacArthur changed the course of World War II. MacArthur at War will go deeper into this transformative period of his life than previous biographies, drilling into the military strategy that Walter R. Borneman is so skilled at conveying, and exploring how personality and ego translate into military successes and failures.
Architect of stunning triumphs and inexplicable defeats, General MacArthur is the most intriguing military leader of the twentieth century. There was never any middle ground with MacArthur. This in-depth study of the most critical period of his career shows how MacArthur's influence spread far beyond the war-torn Pacific.
Architect of stunning triumphs and inexplicable defeats, General MacArthur is the most intriguing military leader of the twentieth century. There was never any middle ground with MacArthur. This in-depth study of the most critical period of his career shows how MacArthur's influence spread far beyond the war-torn Pacific.
608 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2016
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About the author
Walter R. Borneman
15 books152 followersWalter R. Borneman, b.1952, an American historian and lawyer, is the author of well-known popular books on 18th and 19th century United States history. He received his B.A. in 1974 from Western State College of Colorado, and received an M.A. in history there in 1975 for a thesis on "Irwin : silver camp of the Ruby Mountains"; in 1981 he received a law degree from the University of Denver, and practiced law. His latest book, published in May 2012, is The Admirals Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King--the 5-star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 9, 2017
I found Walter Borneman’s look at Douglas MacArthur’s conduct in World War II a fascinating read. The author looks at all aspects of MacA’s performance, from the lows of the Philippines to his triumph accepting the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay.
Before getting to MacA’s performance in WW II, the author looks at his life up to the beginning of the war. This includes his growing up the son of the ranking officer in the US Army – and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the US Civil War, his performance at both West Point, which was exceptional, and his performance as a young company grade officer – which was not. In fact the author quotes from two of his performance evaluations that would have destroyed his career in the modern military. His saving grace came as Brigade then Division CDR in WW I. While slightly eccentric, he led from the front and was beloved by the men of the 42nd ID – the Rainbow Division. He eventually became the youngest General officer in the Army.
Mr. Borneman also looks at his performance in the interwar years, esp as Chief of Staff (CoS) of the Army and later after his retirement, the head of the Philippine military. To say he was controversial is an understatement. In looking at his stint as the commander of the PI military, the author also looks at his attempts to create a modern military for the Philippines – he was not totally successful to say the least.
The book really kicks off when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. Mr. Borneman looks MacA’s failures in both strategy and tactics in defending the Philippines from the Japanese. Mr. Borneman makes a case that some of the failures to fully stock Bataan can be explained by his desire to mollify the President of the Philippine Islands, Manuel Quezon. Quezon was doing everything possible, including proposing to declare the Philippines neutral, to keep the Philippines out of the coming war. The author also goes into why his air forces where caught on the ground on Dec 8, many hours after Pearl Harbor. Borneman shifts much of the blame from MacA to his CoS, Richard Sutherland, who would not let his Air Force Commander speak with him for much of the morning. Also the fighters had been in the air much of morning and had landed to refuel and let the pilots get some lunch when the Japanese raids hit. In addition, the author also blames MacA’s ego for the debacle. Borneman states that MacA was expecting a war with Japan, but not until much later in 1942 and part of his indecision was the disbelief that anyone or any country would not follow HIS time table. In discussing his experiences, the author also explores why he only went to Bataan once. He disputes the common myth of the time of a lack of physical courage – he routinely stood out with the Antiaircraft gunners during bombing raids on Corregidor. Mr. Borneman makes the point that no one who wins 7 Silver Stars and 2 DSCs is a physical coward! He supposes that it was his concern of being out of touch with Washington that kept him on Corregidor. Later in the war MacA made a point of coming ashore shortly after his troops had landed, often with snipers still in the area.
In addition to discussing the military operations MacA directed, the author also discusses his famed ego. He was so controlling that early in the war he wouldn’t let any of his subordinates get any credit. At one point he tells his Corps Commander, Robert Eichelberger, on New Guinea, who had gotten some favorable press by name, that he had made him, he could brake him if it happened again. As the war ground on MacA finally saw some sense and allowed his subordinates some personal recognition.
Also discussed in his loyalty to those men who had been with him on Corregidor – especially Richard Sutherland. The author makes a point of the trust MacA had in him. At one point Sutherland was even signing MacA’s name to major tactical decisions and communications with Washington without consulting MacA. His fall when it came was spectacular- he disobeyed a direct order not once but twice about taking his mistress to New Guinea when the HQ moved there. The story of how MacA discovered her in Hollandia is an amusing ancedote. Even with that MacA wouldn’t fire him, but his wings were severely clipped and everybody knew it.
Additional themes Mr. Borneman explores is his relationship with FDR and his dabbling in Republican Party Presidential politics. To say he was ham handed is an understatement. As with many actions throughout his career, it should have gotten him fired!
All this is good look at MacArthur the commander – both the good and the bad. Some of the good - he eagerly adopted the close cooperation between his air forces and his ground troops – though some of this might have been of necessity, he was open to the “hit them where they ain’t” strategy of island hopping and surprisingly, he got along well with his naval commander, Thomas Kincaid. The bad includes his ego – it seems he could not admit a mistake and if anything ever went wrong it was someone else’s fault, his reluctance, if not outright refusal to share credit, his shameful misuse and later nonuse of his Australian forces and probably the most important – his misjudgments and outright mistakes in Philippines during the first 5 months of the war.
All in all a very good look at a complicated, difficult man, but a gifted commander - I would rate it a 4.25 star read in GR allowed partial stars - so I rounded down.
Before getting to MacA’s performance in WW II, the author looks at his life up to the beginning of the war. This includes his growing up the son of the ranking officer in the US Army – and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the US Civil War, his performance at both West Point, which was exceptional, and his performance as a young company grade officer – which was not. In fact the author quotes from two of his performance evaluations that would have destroyed his career in the modern military. His saving grace came as Brigade then Division CDR in WW I. While slightly eccentric, he led from the front and was beloved by the men of the 42nd ID – the Rainbow Division. He eventually became the youngest General officer in the Army.
Mr. Borneman also looks at his performance in the interwar years, esp as Chief of Staff (CoS) of the Army and later after his retirement, the head of the Philippine military. To say he was controversial is an understatement. In looking at his stint as the commander of the PI military, the author also looks at his attempts to create a modern military for the Philippines – he was not totally successful to say the least.
The book really kicks off when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. Mr. Borneman looks MacA’s failures in both strategy and tactics in defending the Philippines from the Japanese. Mr. Borneman makes a case that some of the failures to fully stock Bataan can be explained by his desire to mollify the President of the Philippine Islands, Manuel Quezon. Quezon was doing everything possible, including proposing to declare the Philippines neutral, to keep the Philippines out of the coming war. The author also goes into why his air forces where caught on the ground on Dec 8, many hours after Pearl Harbor. Borneman shifts much of the blame from MacA to his CoS, Richard Sutherland, who would not let his Air Force Commander speak with him for much of the morning. Also the fighters had been in the air much of morning and had landed to refuel and let the pilots get some lunch when the Japanese raids hit. In addition, the author also blames MacA’s ego for the debacle. Borneman states that MacA was expecting a war with Japan, but not until much later in 1942 and part of his indecision was the disbelief that anyone or any country would not follow HIS time table. In discussing his experiences, the author also explores why he only went to Bataan once. He disputes the common myth of the time of a lack of physical courage – he routinely stood out with the Antiaircraft gunners during bombing raids on Corregidor. Mr. Borneman makes the point that no one who wins 7 Silver Stars and 2 DSCs is a physical coward! He supposes that it was his concern of being out of touch with Washington that kept him on Corregidor. Later in the war MacA made a point of coming ashore shortly after his troops had landed, often with snipers still in the area.
In addition to discussing the military operations MacA directed, the author also discusses his famed ego. He was so controlling that early in the war he wouldn’t let any of his subordinates get any credit. At one point he tells his Corps Commander, Robert Eichelberger, on New Guinea, who had gotten some favorable press by name, that he had made him, he could brake him if it happened again. As the war ground on MacA finally saw some sense and allowed his subordinates some personal recognition.
Also discussed in his loyalty to those men who had been with him on Corregidor – especially Richard Sutherland. The author makes a point of the trust MacA had in him. At one point Sutherland was even signing MacA’s name to major tactical decisions and communications with Washington without consulting MacA. His fall when it came was spectacular- he disobeyed a direct order not once but twice about taking his mistress to New Guinea when the HQ moved there. The story of how MacA discovered her in Hollandia is an amusing ancedote. Even with that MacA wouldn’t fire him, but his wings were severely clipped and everybody knew it.
Additional themes Mr. Borneman explores is his relationship with FDR and his dabbling in Republican Party Presidential politics. To say he was ham handed is an understatement. As with many actions throughout his career, it should have gotten him fired!
All this is good look at MacArthur the commander – both the good and the bad. Some of the good - he eagerly adopted the close cooperation between his air forces and his ground troops – though some of this might have been of necessity, he was open to the “hit them where they ain’t” strategy of island hopping and surprisingly, he got along well with his naval commander, Thomas Kincaid. The bad includes his ego – it seems he could not admit a mistake and if anything ever went wrong it was someone else’s fault, his reluctance, if not outright refusal to share credit, his shameful misuse and later nonuse of his Australian forces and probably the most important – his misjudgments and outright mistakes in Philippines during the first 5 months of the war.
All in all a very good look at a complicated, difficult man, but a gifted commander - I would rate it a 4.25 star read in GR allowed partial stars - so I rounded down.
December 18, 2016
Douglas MacArthur was one of the most controversial military leaders of WWII and this book covers his life during that war, although we know that his reputation would come under even more scrutiny in the Korean War. He was a dashing figure who was very well aware of his public image and was a master of keeping his name and face in front of the US public through his press releases which were never-ending. The American people adored him as he represented the only man who could win the war in the Pacific .....he was their hero. But he was constantly fighting with the Navy and Air Force and his military peers thought he was selfish, proud, remote, vain, and had no regard for truth. He was a thorn in the side of FDR and the Joint Chiefs of Staff but his will and persuasiveness kept him out of serious trouble although his actions sometimes bordered on insubordination.
I felt the author wrote without bias which is not an easy task when the subject is a man who was both reviled and loved. I highly recommend this biography of one of the flawed giants in US military history.
I felt the author wrote without bias which is not an easy task when the subject is a man who was both reviled and loved. I highly recommend this biography of one of the flawed giants in US military history.
September 9, 2020
Walter R. Borneman creates a no-holds-barred biography of General Douglas MacArthur, once the most admired general on the Allied side of WWII.
Douglas MacArthur always lived in his father's shadow, which grew long before he was born. Captain Arthur MacArthur, Jr. fought under Sheridan in the Civil War and earned the Medal of Honor for a controversial frontal assault that might or might not have been ordered by his commander.
Aside from a father whose experiences both in the Civil War and the Philipines outshined, in Douglas' mind, anything he himself could achieve, MacArthur also had to clash with his mother who was determined to do whatever she could to secure his success. In his book, Borneman provides details about MacArthur's driving passions from his childhood desire to carve a path of greatness for himself to his later years leading the campaigns against Japan.
Borneman's account of Douglas' service in WWI is very comprehensive. This time, which he spent with the Rainbow Division, and the actions on the Western Front developed his decisive, lead-from-the-front command style.
In 1941, Douglas MacArthur has been in the army for forty-two years, and was now a commander at the Philippines. When on December 7 six Japanese aircraft carriers rained destruction on the battleships the Pacific fleet, and the USA was suddenly at war, MacArthur was cought unprepared. The desperate defense on the Bataan peninsula failed to hold the Japanese, and following direct orders from the President, MacArthur evacuated to Australia to organize Allied forces.
Borneman's narrative is no "hero worshipping". He portrays MacArthur as someone who tended to inflate his own feats and bad-mouth those who got between him and his perceived destiny. The author makes an interesting point in comparing him with FDR: they were both witty, had domineering mothers, were masters of theatrics, and had an unflagging sense of destiny for themselves and their country. While Roosevelt considered MacArthur the "second most dangerous man in the country", he and General George Marshall acknowledged his value both as a general and as a symbol needed for boosting the Army's morale.
Walter R. Borneman paints MacArthur with all his warts. He doesn't exclude from the book neither Douglas' ego that got in the way of his strategic thinking nor any of his other less attractive qualities such as his tendency to declare a battle won while there still was serious resistance and leave his subordinates to deal with it. However, Borneman also reluctantly expresses respect for the general, describing his courage as he toured beachheads only hours after troops had landed. MacArthur at War ends with signing of Japanese surrender in 1945, one of Douglas MacArthur's finest moments.
Walter R. Borneman's book is a clear, wholsome portrait of the general, complemented with an abundancy of footnotes, photographs, and maps. The style of the author is easily graspable and very compelling. I think that MacArthur at War will appeal not only to WWII buffs but to anyone who wants to know more about this remarkable man.
Douglas MacArthur always lived in his father's shadow, which grew long before he was born. Captain Arthur MacArthur, Jr. fought under Sheridan in the Civil War and earned the Medal of Honor for a controversial frontal assault that might or might not have been ordered by his commander.
Aside from a father whose experiences both in the Civil War and the Philipines outshined, in Douglas' mind, anything he himself could achieve, MacArthur also had to clash with his mother who was determined to do whatever she could to secure his success. In his book, Borneman provides details about MacArthur's driving passions from his childhood desire to carve a path of greatness for himself to his later years leading the campaigns against Japan.
Borneman's account of Douglas' service in WWI is very comprehensive. This time, which he spent with the Rainbow Division, and the actions on the Western Front developed his decisive, lead-from-the-front command style.
In 1941, Douglas MacArthur has been in the army for forty-two years, and was now a commander at the Philippines. When on December 7 six Japanese aircraft carriers rained destruction on the battleships the Pacific fleet, and the USA was suddenly at war, MacArthur was cought unprepared. The desperate defense on the Bataan peninsula failed to hold the Japanese, and following direct orders from the President, MacArthur evacuated to Australia to organize Allied forces.
Borneman's narrative is no "hero worshipping". He portrays MacArthur as someone who tended to inflate his own feats and bad-mouth those who got between him and his perceived destiny. The author makes an interesting point in comparing him with FDR: they were both witty, had domineering mothers, were masters of theatrics, and had an unflagging sense of destiny for themselves and their country. While Roosevelt considered MacArthur the "second most dangerous man in the country", he and General George Marshall acknowledged his value both as a general and as a symbol needed for boosting the Army's morale.
Walter R. Borneman paints MacArthur with all his warts. He doesn't exclude from the book neither Douglas' ego that got in the way of his strategic thinking nor any of his other less attractive qualities such as his tendency to declare a battle won while there still was serious resistance and leave his subordinates to deal with it. However, Borneman also reluctantly expresses respect for the general, describing his courage as he toured beachheads only hours after troops had landed. MacArthur at War ends with signing of Japanese surrender in 1945, one of Douglas MacArthur's finest moments.
Walter R. Borneman's book is a clear, wholsome portrait of the general, complemented with an abundancy of footnotes, photographs, and maps. The style of the author is easily graspable and very compelling. I think that MacArthur at War will appeal not only to WWII buffs but to anyone who wants to know more about this remarkable man.
May 29, 2016
With MACARTHUR AT WAR: World War II in the Pacific, Borneman firmly establishes credentials in the contemporary pantheon of historical writers. His previous book THE ADMIRALS was a sweeping visage of WW II told through the narrative of four men who achieved the 5-star rank of Admiral of the Fleet. This book is more focused on one army soldier who would wear the 5-Star rank of “General of the Army”.
In MACARTHUR AT WAR Borneman explores and comments more narrowly on the WW II events surrounding the larger-than-life character (in every sense of the word) of Douglas MacArthur. So deeply does the book focus on events involving MacArthur, that in this 500+ page book the Battle of Midway is dispensed with by a single paragraph. This is about as thorough an account of MacArthur’s WW II actions and interactions as you can get without going to the primary source. It appears unbiased and evenhanded, and conflicting historical documents are presented with Borneman’s commentary; usually stating why he gives one view more credibility than others.
This book is well-researched and it is extensively annotated and referenced. A section of pictures enhances the reading.
I often am critical of the cartography in books of this genre, finding too few maps, or those that are given to be not sufficiently clear or particularly relevant to the subject at hand. In MacArthur at War, however, the numerous maps appropriately scattered through the text are excellent. They are of appropriate size, and they contain the necessary elements required to visually complement the text, without extraneous elements.
If you thought there was no need for another “MacArthur” book, you might well change your mind after reading Borneman’s essay on this almost mythical general.
After MacArthur, I suggest you read Borneman's wonderful "Polk". It is a particularly enjoyable read in this year's political environment.
In MACARTHUR AT WAR Borneman explores and comments more narrowly on the WW II events surrounding the larger-than-life character (in every sense of the word) of Douglas MacArthur. So deeply does the book focus on events involving MacArthur, that in this 500+ page book the Battle of Midway is dispensed with by a single paragraph. This is about as thorough an account of MacArthur’s WW II actions and interactions as you can get without going to the primary source. It appears unbiased and evenhanded, and conflicting historical documents are presented with Borneman’s commentary; usually stating why he gives one view more credibility than others.
This book is well-researched and it is extensively annotated and referenced. A section of pictures enhances the reading.
I often am critical of the cartography in books of this genre, finding too few maps, or those that are given to be not sufficiently clear or particularly relevant to the subject at hand. In MacArthur at War, however, the numerous maps appropriately scattered through the text are excellent. They are of appropriate size, and they contain the necessary elements required to visually complement the text, without extraneous elements.
If you thought there was no need for another “MacArthur” book, you might well change your mind after reading Borneman’s essay on this almost mythical general.
After MacArthur, I suggest you read Borneman's wonderful "Polk". It is a particularly enjoyable read in this year's political environment.
August 13, 2016
There was never much middle ground with General Douglas MacArthur. Brilliant, ego-maniac, the commander of American (and allied) forces in some of the nation's greatest victories and bitterest defeats, obsessed with his own image, unable to admit a mistake, with absolutely no sense of humor about himself, a great leader of men, etc, the list of superlatives go on and on. Not a simple man! This well-written biography covers his World War II campaigns, focusing on his relationships with his subordinates (Eichelberger, Kenney, Kruger, Kincaid), his staff (Sutherland, Egeberg, Willoughby, Rhoades), his peers (Halsey, Nimitz, Curtin) and his superiors: Marshall and FDR. The maps could have been better, but this is a first-class military biography of one of America's greatest and most controversial generals.
October 12, 2023
Neither a hit piece nor a Haigography, but a real look at the failures of the early war to resounding success later on.
While McArthur has taken a lot of flak for his failures on Luzon, Bataan peninsula, President Quezon wouldn’t let McArthur seize food stores, even from Japanese firms, additionally Quezon would not let McArthur take Rice from one province into another, this contributed to the fall of Bataan through starvation, one has to wonder what this did to McArthur’s respect for Civilian Leadership.
It is really a redemption story, from his absolute inaction on December 8th to eventual Surrender on the Missouri, McArthur improved, learned and from being initially a naysayer to understanding the importance of AirPower.
While McArthur has taken a lot of flak for his failures on Luzon, Bataan peninsula, President Quezon wouldn’t let McArthur seize food stores, even from Japanese firms, additionally Quezon would not let McArthur take Rice from one province into another, this contributed to the fall of Bataan through starvation, one has to wonder what this did to McArthur’s respect for Civilian Leadership.
It is really a redemption story, from his absolute inaction on December 8th to eventual Surrender on the Missouri, McArthur improved, learned and from being initially a naysayer to understanding the importance of AirPower.
September 19, 2016
Excellent portrayal of WWII in the Pacific! The author gives a good sense of the logistics involved in such a vast swath of territory and the immense efforts by the US, at home and abroad, in developing the trained military and the weapons infrastructure necessary to defeat the Japanese.
He also goes into some detail in discussing the inter-service cooperation of Navy, Army, and Air Corps necessary for the implementation of the island hopping strategy. Essential for victory!
But I think that the author spends too much time analyzing MacArthur's complex temperament, ego, and hubris at the expense of more description of key battles, such as, Luzon!
Overall a very satisfying book and illuminating view of the massive effort and strategy employed.
He also goes into some detail in discussing the inter-service cooperation of Navy, Army, and Air Corps necessary for the implementation of the island hopping strategy. Essential for victory!
But I think that the author spends too much time analyzing MacArthur's complex temperament, ego, and hubris at the expense of more description of key battles, such as, Luzon!
Overall a very satisfying book and illuminating view of the massive effort and strategy employed.
February 11, 2017
Just when you thought there was nothing else to know about MacArthur.
Borneman is a really good historian, with many very readable books to his credit.
This one mines the post Pearl Harbor through VJ Day years.
Beginning with historical backgrounds, we spent a good deal of time on the retreat from Corregidor and the assumption of command in Australia.
Displays of petulant ego, bull headedness, as well as brilliant strokes are all on display.
A meticulous deconstruction of every mile of the return to the Philippines is then undertaken...there is the rub.
This section of the book seems to take as long as the war itself...ponderous.
This makes this volume read like a history textbook, rather than a history.
Three Jimmys out of five.
Borneman is a really good historian, with many very readable books to his credit.
This one mines the post Pearl Harbor through VJ Day years.
Beginning with historical backgrounds, we spent a good deal of time on the retreat from Corregidor and the assumption of command in Australia.
Displays of petulant ego, bull headedness, as well as brilliant strokes are all on display.
A meticulous deconstruction of every mile of the return to the Philippines is then undertaken...there is the rub.
This section of the book seems to take as long as the war itself...ponderous.
This makes this volume read like a history textbook, rather than a history.
Three Jimmys out of five.
February 25, 2021
Hero worship. The cult of personality. People are drawn to other people because they have fame, power, money, or prestige. It is common to see this among the glitterati of Hollywood, recording artists, and the like. It is something else to see it in a military figure. Yet, during World War II, Douglas MacArthur was adored by the American public and even had his name floated as a candidate for the presidency. But how did this come to be?
Walter Borneman (1812: The War That Forged a Nation, French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America
Lest you be mislead, Borneman's book is neither hagiography nor hit piece. The author takes the evidence at hand, and calls it as he sees it. When MacArthur is at his preening, boy crying wolf worst, he gets the criticism. When he is shown care and concern for his wife and child (as an example), he gets the credit. If a circumstance does not warrant criticism of him, Borneman lets you know about that, as well. Borneman presents the evidence and tosses in his thoughts, but never as a means to persuade you. In this sense, he fulfills his role as biographer to a T.
MacArthur's time serving coincides with those in leadership who saw his ability to fight and win, and permitted his outbursts, doom and gloom predictions, and power plays. Both FDR and Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall knew MacArthur to be arrogant, abrasive, flamboyant, and imperious. Yet, in spite of this, they knew he was a fighter and allowed him to act as he did because he won. It is only when he pushed things too far regarding foreign policy during the Korean War that his attitude caught up with him.
Reading the biography brought these questions to me about hero worship and similar matters. The oft-quoted saying is "never meet your heroes" is true because their humanity will pull them from the pedestal upon which you've put them. While we adore our heroes, we also do not wish to see the clay feet they invariably have. However, it is not the object of the biographer to paint flattering pictures of their subject, but rather to portray them in their humanness, warts and all. It is in those portraits that we see ourselves in our heroes, take the best from their lives, and attempt to make our lives better from the lessons they've provided us.
BOTTOM LINE: An honest examination of America's greatest military mind.
Walter Borneman (1812: The War That Forged a Nation, French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America
Lest you be mislead, Borneman's book is neither hagiography nor hit piece. The author takes the evidence at hand, and calls it as he sees it. When MacArthur is at his preening, boy crying wolf worst, he gets the criticism. When he is shown care and concern for his wife and child (as an example), he gets the credit. If a circumstance does not warrant criticism of him, Borneman lets you know about that, as well. Borneman presents the evidence and tosses in his thoughts, but never as a means to persuade you. In this sense, he fulfills his role as biographer to a T.
MacArthur's time serving coincides with those in leadership who saw his ability to fight and win, and permitted his outbursts, doom and gloom predictions, and power plays. Both FDR and Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall knew MacArthur to be arrogant, abrasive, flamboyant, and imperious. Yet, in spite of this, they knew he was a fighter and allowed him to act as he did because he won. It is only when he pushed things too far regarding foreign policy during the Korean War that his attitude caught up with him.
Reading the biography brought these questions to me about hero worship and similar matters. The oft-quoted saying is "never meet your heroes" is true because their humanity will pull them from the pedestal upon which you've put them. While we adore our heroes, we also do not wish to see the clay feet they invariably have. However, it is not the object of the biographer to paint flattering pictures of their subject, but rather to portray them in their humanness, warts and all. It is in those portraits that we see ourselves in our heroes, take the best from their lives, and attempt to make our lives better from the lessons they've provided us.
BOTTOM LINE: An honest examination of America's greatest military mind.
August 24, 2020
Excellent overview of MacArthur during WWII. There is (was) very little middle ground with him. Either he is the greatest general in the country's history, or overrated and vainglorious. I guess it's the same parallel with Montgomery for the UK.
Anyway - I agree with the latter. A self-promoter, constantly seeking attention, taking credit for all accomplishments, taking blame for none of the disasters, he at least had luck. After ill-preparing the Philippines for the inevitable Japanese aggression, he was stuck like a deer in the headlights on December 8th. All of the planes on Clark field were on the ground. Trying to get him to order them moved, people could not get anything out of him. They did move some on their own (without orders). This - is after he was notified of Pearl Harbor (yes, the planes were decimated on the ground their), and after he was notified of other attacks in the Philippines. BTW - the commanders at Pearl were sacked. MacArthur? Read on.
The Japanese then quickly overran the ill prepared US troops and the Philippine troops under MacArthur's control. He then backs them into a long stand in the Bataan peninsular, without proper supplies - just slim ammo and food, that's all.
It's clear the US is unable to rescue the troops in the Philippines, and MacArthur is ordered to escape by PT boat (ending up in Australia to direct actions from there). Does he get sacked for the lack of preparation? No. For the lack of supplies for his retreat plan (long in planning). Nope. He gets the Medal of Honor.
Of course the question is why? The US was in dire straights. Pearl Harbor was a disaster, Nazi U-Boats was wrecking havoc in the Atlantic, and no US Army soldiers were fighting anywhere. They needed a "hero". Widely acclaimed in the press, MacArthur became the hero of the day. If only everyone knew the story.
After the above debacle he spent the next 3 years begging for more troops and supplies, fighting the Japanese on New Guinea and then the Philippines, and fighting the US Navy and powers to be in Washington. Oh, and issuing press releases. About all of the fighting he was doing - mostly from his office building in Brisbane.
There's more to the story - his troops were sucessfull in fighting the Japanese, and he did work well with some of the other services - especially when they were under his control. He explored running against Roosevelt in 1944 (while on active duty no less!). His ego knew no limits - until Truman sacked him during the Korean war - another story.
So what happened to the US & Philipine soldiers on Bataan? They continued to fight for serveral months after MacArthur's escape. Estimates of 60 to 80,000 were captured. Thousands died on the long infamous Bataan march to POW camps. Thousands more died over the next 3 years in internment.
As a FYI, 0.2% of Japanese and German POWs died in US camps.
- 2% of US POWs died in German camps
- 40% of US POWs died in Japanese camps
Anyway - I agree with the latter. A self-promoter, constantly seeking attention, taking credit for all accomplishments, taking blame for none of the disasters, he at least had luck. After ill-preparing the Philippines for the inevitable Japanese aggression, he was stuck like a deer in the headlights on December 8th. All of the planes on Clark field were on the ground. Trying to get him to order them moved, people could not get anything out of him. They did move some on their own (without orders). This - is after he was notified of Pearl Harbor (yes, the planes were decimated on the ground their), and after he was notified of other attacks in the Philippines. BTW - the commanders at Pearl were sacked. MacArthur? Read on.
The Japanese then quickly overran the ill prepared US troops and the Philippine troops under MacArthur's control. He then backs them into a long stand in the Bataan peninsular, without proper supplies - just slim ammo and food, that's all.
It's clear the US is unable to rescue the troops in the Philippines, and MacArthur is ordered to escape by PT boat (ending up in Australia to direct actions from there). Does he get sacked for the lack of preparation? No. For the lack of supplies for his retreat plan (long in planning). Nope. He gets the Medal of Honor.
Of course the question is why? The US was in dire straights. Pearl Harbor was a disaster, Nazi U-Boats was wrecking havoc in the Atlantic, and no US Army soldiers were fighting anywhere. They needed a "hero". Widely acclaimed in the press, MacArthur became the hero of the day. If only everyone knew the story.
After the above debacle he spent the next 3 years begging for more troops and supplies, fighting the Japanese on New Guinea and then the Philippines, and fighting the US Navy and powers to be in Washington. Oh, and issuing press releases. About all of the fighting he was doing - mostly from his office building in Brisbane.
There's more to the story - his troops were sucessfull in fighting the Japanese, and he did work well with some of the other services - especially when they were under his control. He explored running against Roosevelt in 1944 (while on active duty no less!). His ego knew no limits - until Truman sacked him during the Korean war - another story.
So what happened to the US & Philipine soldiers on Bataan? They continued to fight for serveral months after MacArthur's escape. Estimates of 60 to 80,000 were captured. Thousands died on the long infamous Bataan march to POW camps. Thousands more died over the next 3 years in internment.
As a FYI, 0.2% of Japanese and German POWs died in US camps.
- 2% of US POWs died in German camps
- 40% of US POWs died in Japanese camps
August 25, 2021
This book focuses on General MacArthur’s role as Commander in Chief of the Southwest Pacific Area (“SWPA”) Allied forces during World War II. It recounts the major campaigns fought by the SWPA troops as well as the initial loss of the Philippines when MacArthur was the commanding General of only the American and Philippine forces in 1941. So, MacArthur’s highs and lows as a general at war are well represented. The author does not shy away from MacArthur’s faults. He often details how his massive ego and his paranoia effected his generalship during the war. I thought the author highlighted these characteristics a bit too heavily without balancing how these character flaws didn’t derail the many battlefield successes enjoyed by the SWPA command. The author points out the times when those character flaws may have taken MacArthur’s eye off the ultimate goal of defeating Japan and placed too much importance on MacArthur and only MacArthur receiving the credit for victories. MacArthur was always campaigning with his superiors for more forces and equipment. But what general doesn’t try his best to ensure his success by having as many resources as possible at his disposal. However, MacArthur was competing with the European theater as well as the Central Pacific theater for resources. He got his fair share of resources given their scarcity, especially in the early years of the war. But his paranoia often led him to believe the worst of his superiors at this time, rather than understanding their dilemma. As for his massive ego, what successful leader, especially a military leader, doesn’t have an oversized ego? While it was an excellent look at this man in history, I just think the author could have given MacArthur more credit for his accomplishments as opposed to continually diminishing those accomplishments by over emphasizing the demons that at times drove MacArthur to be a less that gracious partner to his colleagues and superiors.
September 6, 2019
Kniha ponúka presne to, čo naznačuje jej názov - budete sledovať príbeh jedného človeka, Douglas "Dugout Doug" MacArthura, 5-hviezdičkového hrdinu pacifickej operácie. Google vám pri vyhľadaní si jeho mena primárne ponúkne fotografie vysokého muža, štylizovaného do pozície vodcu, s fajkou v ústach a charakteristickou čiapkou, prípadne Ray-Ben aviatorkami na očiach. Borneman však išiel do hĺby a skôr sa venoval vplyvom na MacArthurove rozhodovanie, skúmal jeho pohnútky, snažil sa nájsť príčiny jeho občas silno emotívnych výpadkov napríklad voči podriadeným. Z knihy sa dočítate aj to, že generála MacArthura až zvláštnym spôsobom priťahovali Filipíny a dianie v juhovýchodnej ázii počas druhej svetovej vojny, že často závidel svojím generálskym súputníkom ich diplomatické schopnosti (zdravím George C. Marshalla), že mal problémy s autoritami (opäť zdravím George C. Marshalla) alebo že zvažoval kandidatúru na prezidenta USA. Zároveň je však Borneman citlivejší, konkrétnejší, a menej ironický voči jeho líderšipu než bol napríklad David Halberstam v Coldest Winter a v závere knihy aj presne popisuje prečo:
"MacArthur always carried with him an indomitable will to win. It was ingrained in his genes. It was his most laudable quality. There is, as he would say, no substitute for victory, a concept that was much clearer in World War II than it would become even five short years later in Korea. He fit the times perfectly."
"MacArthur always carried with him an indomitable will to win. It was ingrained in his genes. It was his most laudable quality. There is, as he would say, no substitute for victory, a concept that was much clearer in World War II than it would become even five short years later in Korea. He fit the times perfectly."
November 20, 2018
Interesting and detailed story, primarily of MacArthur's Southwest Pacific campaign in World War II. Unlike most biographical studies, this one does not briefly discuss our hero's shortcomings briefly only in the second-to-last chapter. Instead, the author addresses MacArthur's many character flaws: megalomania, paranoia, manipulation of the press, alternative facts, difficulty with the truth that did not suit his purposes, etc. (sound familiar?), throughout the book. The author also recognizes MacArthur's many strengths as a commander, but this is a realistic, eyes-open biography, which informs us all the better.
March 28, 2019
Another fantastic volume by Walter R. Borneman. An excellent history focused primarily on Douglas MacArthur's Pacific campaigns and experiences. I particularly liked the author's questions to allow the reader to make his/her own conclusions regarding the wrong, right, or indifferent over many of the general's actions, inaction, decisions, arguments, debates, flaws real or perceived. Definitely well written and hugely enlightening. I was quite entertained as well by having the ability to have my own conclusions throughout as mentioned. A great Army in the Pacific companion volume to Mr. Borneman's "The Admirals" in my opinion.
October 30, 2025
Brilliant depiction of MacArthur's epic Pacific War journey from disaster on December 7th to victory on September 2nd. It shows his faults, his oversights, his allies and enemies, and his successes brilliantly and fairly. It is truly one of the best history books I have read, which gives an excellent depiction of the great but complicated man. The best line in the whole book was at the end, which clarifies what MacArthur was, "He was Brilliant, charismatic, and decisive but he was also manipulative, decietful and as egocentirc as any military leader in American Military history." Great book for those with preexisting knowledge about MacArthur and WWII in the Pacific.
May 10, 2020
FASCINATING RECOUNT OF THE FAMOUS GENERAL THAT DIRECTS US TO REFLECT ON THE LARGER-THE-LIFE PERSONALITY THAT CAPTURED THE AMERICAN PUBLIC'S FASCINATION BUT AT THE SAME TIME CAUSED SUCH GREAT CONSTERNATION AMOUNG THE TROOPS AND THE POLITICAL BRASS; THE AUTHOR DEFINETLY SHARES THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF HIS LIFE AND ACTIONS, BUT ALSO GIVES US THE FACTS THAT PUT HIS LIFE AND THE DECISIONS HE MADE INTO PERSPECTIVE; YOU CERTAINLY SEE THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY OF THIS ICON.
August 25, 2021
This is a long one. Richly detailed, it appears to provide an even-handed description and assessment of this extraordinarily capable and dangerous man. I happen also to be reading Dangerous Charisma: The Political Psychology of Donald Trump and His Followers. MacArthur had Trump-like dangerous charisma - a narcissistic egomania. But he was also very competent. Also, I learned a great deal about WWII in the Pacific.
March 9, 2024
The author has an axe to grind against MacArthur but, correctly gives MacArthur his props where due. The book is aided by quickly romping through MacArthur's
His finest hour may have been in the signing ceremony on the USS Missouri but, despite the book ending with WW2 MacArthur would go onto show leadership in other historical moments in the Korean War an occupation of Japan.
I am a MacArthur fan but, the debt of scholarship hear means that I have to give this book a high mark .
His finest hour may have been in the signing ceremony on the USS Missouri but, despite the book ending with WW2 MacArthur would go onto show leadership in other historical moments in the Korean War an occupation of Japan.
I am a MacArthur fan but, the debt of scholarship hear means that I have to give this book a high mark .
February 18, 2020
Well-written, engrossing read. Added a great deal to my knowledge of WWII in the southwestern pacific. I knew very little about Douglas MacArthur before reading this book, least of all what a petty, vindictive, and not altogether competent commander he was. Was shocked to learn in what low esteem he was held by peers outside his own orbit.
January 20, 2021
Detailed and well written account of MacArthur’s time in the South Pacific. The first half of the book was slightly dry, but plenty of background and information about the man and his tactics. Interesting to see the quirks he had, including rampant lies and exaggerations, several poor decisions, narcissism and attention seeking, all while being a skilled military leader.
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May 31, 2021If you are looking for a excellent book on MacArthur this is the book to read. It covers all his activities doing the war in the Pacific. His dedication to defeat the Japanese and the many troubles he brought to his country and fellow commanders. A must read if your into MacArthur or just to study the war in the pacific.
January 22, 2018
Plenty of original thinking that tackles some of the myth and legend surrounded MacArthur. Worth reading if you want to see both a sympathetic and yet clear eyed take on a flawed man who helped win the water in the Pacific.
March 12, 2019
If you wanted one book on MacArthur’s exploits during wwii this would be a good place to start. It hits the right notes with plenty of detail and maps throughout so the reader doesn’t get lost, but at over 500 readable pages it does get a bit long.
January 17, 2018
Meh. An egotistical man, to say the least, and nothing really new. Was an ok book. I liked The Admirals, by the same author, much more
May 23, 2018
Interesting perspective on the history of the Southwest Pacific theater.
February 26, 2019
Excellently written with details from multiple sources. I enjoyed reading this and learned much more of MacArthur.
December 17, 2020
Very thorough and interesting read. Narrow focus on specific war years as well. Different approach to getting insights of a complex individual and war hero.
April 11, 2021
The author is no fan of MacArthur, but gives him credit when credit is due.
June 29, 2025
Well researched and highly captivating book. A page turner filled with balanced perspectives of highly sensitive personalities in a tumultuous time in the world. Highly recommended read.
June 27, 2018
The most unbiased book about MacArthur I have ever read. It is insightful and I believe the author does his best to be objective when describing MacArthur’s faults and not be a fanboy.
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