Posted on 08/04/2019 2:20:07 PM PDT by fugazi
Manila lacked anti aircraft weapons to stop an air attack, so asked for and got the New Mexico National Guard to be sent to protect Clark AFB. link
Because of his haughty personality, he was greatly disliked by the ordinary soldier, and was called "dugout Doug" because Roosevelt had ordered him home when the remains of the Philippine army (some US soldiers but mainly Philippine Scouts) was defending Bataan.
Mac Arthur, however, was brilliant. He saw the sea as a road instead of a barrier, and devised the plan to "skip over" many smaller Japanese held islands, leaving the Japanese without supplies to "wither on the vine" rather than attacking them.
And he understood Asian culture, with it's personal ties of what we call her "loob", ties of reciprocity and responsibility. Unlike most of the Americans in the Philippines, who looked down and despised the locals, Mac Arthur got along with them. He even partied with the local leaders as an equal, and had a local actress as his mistress.
He told the Filipinos he would return, and he did, even though many in the USA thought to just let the Philippines be bypassed to suffer under Japanese control.
And his understanding of Japanese culture led to his finding a way to keep the Emperor; if this had not been done, a vicious civil war would have happened.
So yes, he made mistakes, and he was an SOB, but as a whole, he was one of the greatest generals/statesmen in history.
The greatest American soldier might be someone we’ve never heard of.
Yup. I found that out.
Anyway, what the Southern commanders must have thought when they saw that coming, being used to Napoleon style attacks/advances and all that.
Washington was in the field with his men every day eating the same rations, dealing with the same deprivation, betting his life and fortune to create a first on earth. Not so with Grant, Ike, Patton, MacArthur.
An absurdly stupid question. And it assUmeS it’s possible to make a qualitative assessment of different individuals facing different challenges under different circumstances at different times.
And Chesty Puller wasn’t a soldier (despite being born in West Point ...Virginia).
MacArthur fired on the Depression-era WWI veterans. I think Ike was part of that too but MacArthur was in charge.
My Dad too.
I was glad you said that and glad it only took 13 posts.
My father was in the Army Air Corps in Algeria and Tunisia; Italy; and Okinawa. He had two bullets in his helmet.
He never talked about it.
My father the same — he rarely spoke of his combat experiences. Signal Corps, 30-year veteran, including two years in the Pacific during WWII with the 30th Infantry “Dixie” Division. New Guinea > Morotai > Mindanao. Returned a 24-year old major, two battlefield promotions. The Greatest Generation.
Oops, *31st* Infantry Division...need coffee.
Every Troop that suits up-shows up is blessed with a level of greatness that’s only surpassed by those that give their life in service.
That said, this Marine’s nominee is Colonel Robert Lewis Howard, USA. Rising from Pvt. to Colonel, Colonel Howard was a Quiet Professional who successfully met every challenge along the way. In retirement, Colonel Howard lived the same commitment in serving Veterans.
Semper Fidelis!
I have no particular objection to Washington. My question is: Why do so many assume it must be a general or admiral?
Incredible as in WOW! Yes, heroes came in different forms and this man was a true hero, far more so then those who only engage in one heroic action.
LOL!!!
So true. I became acquainted with a few via American Legion. The Army really took it on the chin. These guys were hardscrabble combat soldiers. Their courage shown thru—even in powder puff civ life. I loved them all.
My Dad was WW2 sailor in the Pacific. Saw only a couple day of real combat. Volunteered like so many then. Wow.
Pvt Snuffy gave us the life and lifestyle we have lived for the last 80 years. And all of us owe those that served under Washington our foundational freedoms. May it so remain.
Given his resources Grant should have won in a shorter time frame. And Given his resources, it is a tribute to Lee's skills that he lasted as long as he did.
Grant is given rave reviews for his lengthy campaign at Vicksburg, but if one looks at the long fought battle, Grant made numerous failed attempts before finally achieving victory. Grant certainly had the will to fight, as well as the strength to endure, those are the marks of a solid commander, not the mark of greatness.
Upton’s orders to the attacking forces was to load their rifle muskets, but do not cap them. When the order to attack was given, they were to run like hell to the edge of the enemies works then cap their weapons and start fighting.
the troops got to the earth works without suffering an significant casualties, but got bogged down at the earth works.
Col. Howard would undoubtedly be in my top three.
That’s the one ;-)
Excellent.
Best you get ahold of Grants Civil war memoirs.
The man was a genius.
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