[PAR35]

Looks like the MacArthur propaganda machine overreached on that one. As if the General would risk blistering his hands by taking up an oar.

[Tainan]

In reading the autobiographies of several well-known war corespondent photographers of the WWII era, it was made very clear that there were no "candid" photography of MacArthur allowed.
Every photo of him released was first cleared by his aides. The famous pictures of him "Returning" were the results of multiple re-shoots.
He was a very vain person. Quite unlike Gens. Wainwright and Stillwell.

[TalonDJ]

the MacArthur propaganda machine

What I am finding interesting is not the idea that he was over blown. I think that idea is overblown. But considering he was out of most communication in the Philippines it is really interesting how but the journalists and the administration seem to have latched onto him as a hero puppet. They are pumping him up as a moral tool. It is a bit ridiculous but I guess it makes sense why they would do it. With all the bad news I guess they felt people needed the idea that there was a capable champion out there ready to turn the tide. That and some of the propaganda was no doubt aimed at demoralizing the enemy. For that reason alone it makes sense that they would pump up is 'daring escape'.

[fso301]

Looks like the MacArthur propaganda machine overreached on that one.

To which article are you referring? The one I read on P4 cites FDR as source of the rowboat escape story.

As if the General would risk blistering his hands by taking up an oar.

Why do you believe MacArthur wouldn't risk blistering his hands?