Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964

General Douglas MacArthur fought in WWI, in WWII and in the Korean War.

In 1944, MacArthur kept what he had promised in 1942, his return to the Philippines. Back then the Japanese had driven his troops off the Philippines.

U.S. forces landed on Red Beach on Leyte on October 20, 1944.

On July 8, 1950, MacArthur was given command of U.N. Forces in the Korean War.

On April 19, 1951, General Douglas MacArthur delivered his "Old Soldiers Don't Die" address to a joint session of Congress, quoting an old military song. This was his farewell speech from the army.

President Harry S. Truman had sent him into retirement on April 11, 1951.

Here is MacArthur's I Have Returned speech, which was broadcast via radio:

People of the Philippines: I have returned.

By the grace of Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil - soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible strength, the liberties of your people.

At my side is your President, Sergio Osmena, worthy successor of that great patriot, Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now therefore firmly re-established on Philippine soil.

The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history.

I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.

Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike!

For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike! In the name of your sacred dead, strike!

Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of Divine God points the way. Follow in His name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!