[ricmc2175]

That was not MacArthur's, remember there was divided command between the Navy and the Army in the Pacific. Each had their zones of responsibility. I do note however that you do not refute the “political” charge. Holding back Patton so the Soviets could take Eastern Europe was a political, not a military decision. As was Sicily and holding Patton in reserve in England on D-Day and . . . .

[Timocrat]

That was not MacArthur's, remember there was divided command between the Navy and the Army in the Pacific. Each had their zones of responsibility.

It wasn't that clear cut. Technically Halsey's third fleet at Leyte took direct orders from Nimitz, nevertheless US losses in the Phillipines were 13,973 KIA, to say nothing of Australian, New Zealand, Phillipine losses which were technically under MacArthurs command.

As to the "political charge" in a total war, often unfortunately, the final word is with the politicians and generals have to live with that.

Patton actually captured a large chunk of what would become Eastern Germany, the Czech republic and Austria. As another poster noted the politicians gave it away at Yalta, probably the work of Harry Hopkins.