President Truman vs General Douglas MacArthur
President Truman vs. General Douglas MacArthur Throughout United States history, the United States military has seen many great generals. ... While the National Archives holds tens of thousands of documents relating to the Korean War, some of the most interesting documents are about the controversial dismissal of the Commander in Chief, General Douglas MacArthur. General MacArthur was one of the finest generals ever to command United States troops, but yet he was the most controversial. General MacArthur showed bravery, intelligence, and love for his country, but he was suddenly relieved from duty by President Truman. General Douglas MacArthur’s removal from duty by President Truman was the correct action to take, even considering MacArthur’s long time dedication to the United States military and his good leadership, he still made major mistakes, acted “cowardly” towards his responsibilities, had trouble following directions and objections, and did not have many supporters. Even though MacArthur was dismissed, he still made many positive contributions to the United States military. ... (MacArthur) He was against cuts in military during the depression. ... (Douglas-Historic) He was a smart man. ... MacArthur accepted each officer and enlisted man with his or her limits and weaknesses. ... (Rogers 238) General Douglas MacArthur might have seemed like an insightful, caring man in the beginning of his career but he had many faults that were to come out later in his career. One major fault with General MacArthur was that he made many serious military mistakes. ... (B) Dugout Doug MacArthur lies ashakin’ on the Rock Safe from all the bombers and from a sudden shock Dugout Doug is eating of the best food on Bataan And his troops go starving on. ... (B) Another horrible thing MacArthur did was that he left his troops during the battle in Corregidor. He left with his wife and children because he said that President Roosevelt told him to leave. (Lutz 3) After that incident former president Truman called him a “coward” for leaving his troops. (Truman) MacArthur, because of “politics” was put in a position to publicly criticize his Commander in Chief.