McArthur lived far beyond his expiry date. His negligence in commanding his subordinates resulted in thousands of US Army troops being overwhelmed by Chinese forces that he would not admit existed. Even during the annilation of his troops, McArthur would not admit he was being defeated by a superior, overwhelmning Chinese force.
It can be argued that the total McArthur effort in World War II had no significant effect. The US Navy and the US Marines defeated the Japs until the Air Force operating out of the Marianas could bomb Japan into ashes.
“It can be argued that the total McArthur effort in World War II had no significant effect. The US Navy and the US Marines defeated the Japs until the Air Force operating out of the Marianas could bomb Japan into ashes.”
True on the first part, that arguably MacArthur’s efforts while important were not significant. With regards to bombing Japan into ashes, yes that happened, but the US saw the Japanese tenacity to fight on despite the destruction. This was not going to be easy. The atom bomb drop and some quick thinking inside Japan after the 2nd one ended the path to extinction. The Navy’s role in the defeat of Japan probably bigger than any Army ground game. But I continue to study this period to verify.
It could be argued - but you'd be wrong. 22 Army divisions fought in the Pacific in WWII, from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, including on those Marianas islands which you mentioned, and from which Army Air Corps pilots flew to bomb Japan. It amazes me how some completely ignore the contributions made by the Army in the Pacific.