Is It True That General MacArthur Abandoned his Troops in the Philippines and Left on a PT Boat?

Many historical narratives and popular interpretations circulate regarding General Douglas MacArthur's actions during the Philippine campaign during World War II. However, it is important to clarify several misconceptions surrounding his evacuation and to understand the context of his decisions.

General MacArthur and World War II

It is common to hear claims that General Charles MacArthur abandoned his troops in the Philippines. This is a misconception. Charles MacArthur, a veteran of World War I, did not serve during World War II. Therefore, he had no troops under his command in the Philippines or any other theater of war during this period.

Charles Gordon MacArthur was indeed a man of letters and talent, transitioning from the stage to screenwriting and earning an Academy Award in 1935. However, the confusion often stems from his son, General Douglas MacArthur, who was indeed a significant figure during World War II.

Direct Order from President Roosevelt

On February 22, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a direct order to General Douglas MacArthur to evacuate his command in the Philippines due to the deteriorating American defense situation. At this time, MacArthur was a 53-year-old man with two young children, still renowned for his work in theater and film.

Doug and his troops believed he was leaving, stating, "I am going to the latrine. I shall return!" This was not an act of desertion but rather a compliant response to a direct order from his superior, the President of the United States.

Context and Decision

The evacuation was not a choice but a necessity dictated by military and political circumstances. The U.S. administration under FDR and the military leadership were concerned about Doug's perceived hero status and the impact of him potentially being captured. General George C. Marshall, the Army Chief of Staff, wanted to ensure that MacArthur would not resist evacuation orders once given. To address this, Marshall asked FDR to issue the order directly to MacArthur and arranged for him to receive the Medal of Honor, a recognition that MacArthur felt was justified due to his family's military history.

Despite the evacuation, MacArthur's decision was considered logical by high-ranking officers and military strategists of the time. Only one general officer and one colonel, who had been demoted, later expressed bitterness towards MacArthur and the evacuation. This, however, reflected the broader dissatisfaction within the U.S. military concerning the failure to relieve and evacuate American soldiers in the Philippines.

Further Reading

To gain a deeper understanding of this complex and often misrepresented event in military history, it is recommended to read "The Fall of the Philippines" by Louis Morton, which provides a detailed and accurate account of the operations and decisions made during this period.

Understanding these historical details is crucial in separating fact from fiction and in appreciating the complexities of wartime leadership and decision-making.