Why did General McArthur promised “I Shall Return” to the Filipinos?
First before World War ll, MacArthur was Governor of the Philippines. He did have many business interests there, but that is not the reason he said I shall return. He was ordered to leave all his men behind. A general never ever wants to be ordered to leave his men. As a result of him going to Australia, about one half of his men died in the first 60 days after his departure. He fought with Admiral Nimitz and President Roosevelt for troupes and equipment to throw the Japanese out of the Philippines. Roosevelt’s priority was the war in Europe. When Roosevelt felt he could spare the men and materials, it was shipped to MacArthur. The war in the pacific was fought mainly from island to island. First he had to take Guadalcanal and then he took the Philippines back. He helped take New Guinea and Okinawa back. He ended his career with 5 stars. There has been no one since World War ll who has been promoted to 5 stars. MacArthur was a prima donna, a brilliant tactician, and had a photographic
