Life isn't fair and one is frequently reminded of that as men awarded valor medals say what they did didn't deserve mention when compared against things they saw others do yet received no recognition for. So much depends on the disposition of the commander at that point in time.
As it pertains to Wainwrights MOH, I would begin any analysis by allowing for the possibility that MacArthur had a personal metric based on his two previous MOH recommendations that had been blocked.
That Wainwright surrendered the entire archipelago probably played a role in MacArthur's mind. I don't know the answer but up until that point, had anyone been awarded a MOH that surrendered?
I also think MacArthur awarding Wainwright a DSC in Jan '42 for his service on Luzon and Bataan is also significant in that Wainwright's MOH citation specifically states that it is for his actions Between March '42 and May '42 after MacArthur was ordered to Australia. I can envision a number of different angles here.
The MOH may have amounted to a review and upgrade of the DSC when his service between March '42 and May '42 was also included. If true, he was still able to keep his DSC. Is this normal practice in event of an upgrade to also retain the lesser award? I don't know.
Having read none of the paper trail, I don't know but it would be interesting to learn when in relation to VJ-day Truman got involved with approving Wainwright's MOH.
Had it been filed away collecting dust between 1942 and mid 1945, I then think one would have to consider the mindset of Truman in light of reports by Americans recently freed from Japanese POW camps.
Someday, I'll look into these questions.
See that's what I would hope wouldn't happen. Basing your opposition to a man's recognition for a job well done based on the fact that you had been turned down for the same award yourself two times is just petty at best. If this is a reason for his opposition it would be a new low for even him.
WAINWRIGHT, JONATHAN M.
Rank and organization: General, Commanding U.S. Army Forces in the Philippines. Place and date: Philippine Islands, 12 March to 7 May 1942. Entered service at: Skaneateles, N.Y. Birth: Walla Walla, Wash. G.O. No.: 80, 19 September 1945. Citation: Distinguished himself by intrepid and determined leadership against greatly superior enemy forces. At the repeated risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in his position, he frequented the firing line of his troops where his presence provided the example and incentive that helped make the gallant efforts of these men possible. The final stand on beleaguered Corregidor, for which he was in an important measure personally responsible, commanded the admiration of the Nation’s allies. It reflected the high morale of American arms in the face of overwhelming odds. His courage and resolution were a vitally needed inspiration to the then sorely pressed freedom-loving peoples of the world.
MacARTHUR, DOUGLAS
Rank and organization: General, U.S. Army, commanding U.S. Army Forces in the Far East. Place and date: Bataan Peninsula, Philippine Islands. Entered service at: Ashland, Wis. Birth: Little Rock, Ark. G.O. No.: 16, 1 April 1942. Citation: For conspicuous leadership in preparing the Philippine Islands to resist conquest, for gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against invading Japanese forces, and for the heroic conduct of defensive and offensive operations on the Bataan Peninsula. He mobilized, trained, and led an army which has received world acclaim for its gallant defense against a tremendous superiority of enemy forces in men and arms. His utter disregard of personal danger under heavy fire and aerial bombardment, his calm judgment in each crisis, inspired his troops, galvanized the spirit of resistance of the Filipino people, and confirmed the faith of the American people in their Armed Forces.