For some odd reason I had it in my head that MacArthur was awarded the MOH in 1943. Thanks for the clarification.
I think it was more hubris than human nature.
I think hubris is a part of human nature but I'm not a psychologist/sociologist/clergyman and therefore may not be best qualified to make such determination.
There was no logical reason to block the citation for his subordinate.
As I previously mentioned, I'm not up on Wainwright's MOH recommendation nor reasons MacArthur had for opposing it. Having said that, because MacArthur had awarded Wainwright a DSC in Jan '42 for his actions in Luzon and Bataan, My inclination is to suspect MacArthur viewed Wainwright's holding out for 2 months and then surrendering the entire archipelago as not rising to the MOH level but again, I'm not up on this.
I will however, look into it deeper at some future date.
MacArthur got his on Arpil Fool’s Day, 1942. (Here in about 10 days). I bet his pants aren’t even dry yet from leaving the Philippines.
I can’t remember when Wainwright was recommended, I think it was June or July of this year, but MacArthur would doggedly block the recommendation until Truman stepped in (September 1945ish) and saw to it that Wainwright got the CMH.
I would certainly hope that there is more to his opposition than MacArthur’s patented arrogance but, like you, I haven’t looked at this any further than an analysis I did on the details of his citation itself over two years ago.