The Dynamic Father-Son Duo Committed to Serving America
Some families pass down a monumental story or memento to the next generation. The MacArthurs did something different—they passed down a love for country and a commitment to protecting the American people.
The legacy started with Lieutenant General Arthur MacArthur Jr. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in June 1845, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to join the 24th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry at the start of the Civil War. By age 19, he was a first lieutenant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, deep in the Battle of Missionary Ridge alongside more than 50,000 Federal Army troops.
Under heavy Confederate fire, hope seemed lost. The standard bearer, who had carried the 24th’s flag from Milwaukee, was killed, dropping the precious flag. Arthur Jr. valiantly picked it up, cried “On Wisconsin!” and planted the flag directly in enemy territory—the crest of the ridge—before being shot twice. His heroic actions inspired his peers to join him, gave the Federal troops control of the city, and ultimately shone a strong light at the end of the war tunnel. In 1890, Arthur Jr.’s courageous leadership and commitment to country that day earned him the Medal of Honor.
Leading a New Generation
On January 26, 1880, Arthur Jr.’s son, Douglas, was born. Growing up, Douglas watched his father’s military career flourish. Arthur Jr. led campaigns against Native American Apache leader Geronimo, and took part in the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Philippine-American War in 1899. With encouragement from his parents, Douglas joined the Army and graduated from West Point in 1903. He flew through the ranks and received nominations for the Medal of Honor due to his heroic actions in Veracruz, Mexico. Arthur Jr. retired from service in 1909 and died three years later on September 5, 1912.
After his father’s death, Douglas continued climbing the military ladder. During World War I, he was known for his fearless, ferocious leadership, and putting himself in harm’s way for the good of his men or to gain ground. He received promotion to brigadier general on June 29, 1918, and led a successful offensive during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel.
The 1920s were good to Douglas. He became superintendent at West Point, commander at the Manila Military District, and president of the American Olympic Committee. In 1937, Douglas retired from the Army, but stayed in the Philippines. He married Jean Marie Faircloth and they had a son, Arthur MacArthur IV, on February 21, 1938. In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt had a special request for Douglas: would he reenlist in the Army as a lieutenant general and commander of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Far East? Douglas accepted.
An Unbreakable Spirit
On July 12, 1941, Douglas was stationed in the Philippines. As enemy forces invaded the islands in December 1941, Douglas continued to rally his men and Filipino troops and bravely fought to defend the Bataan Peninsula. ”His utter disregard of personal danger under heavy fire and aerial bombardment, his calm judgment in each crisis, inspired his troops, galvanized the spirit of the resistance of the Filipino people, and confirmed the faith of the American people in their Armed Forces,” his Medal of Honor citation reads. He was 61, making him the oldest Recipient of a Medal of Honor at the time of action.
Although enemy forces captured the Philippines, Douglas vowed to return. He collaborated with the Navy to create a new type of warfare called “Triphibious Warfare,” which involved “hopping” over areas or islands where the enemy had a stronghold. Douglas employed this tactic when he returned to Leyte, a Filipino island, on October 20, 1944, and successfully defeated Japanese invaders. By December 14, 1944, he became General of the Army— a 5-star rank—joining a small, exclusive circle of service members who had earned the post. For his dedication and commitment, Douglas received the Medal of Honor on June 30, 1942, in Melbourne, Australia. He continued to serve on and off until his retirement in 1951, after 52 years of dedicated service.
Douglas and his father, Arthur Jr., are just one of two father-son pairs to receive Medals of Honor in the U.S. Armed Forces, the other being President Theodore Roosevelt and his son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Together, the MacArthurs experienced—and lived through—six major wars. Their incredible service and dedication to protecting our country continue to be a living part of American history for generations to follow.
