Birth of Douglas MacArthur
Birth of Douglas MacArthur
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Douglas MacArthur Biography and Timeline
Follow Douglas MacArthur through 70 dated historical records for United States of America.
Douglas MacArthur, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
70Distinct records
1 of 2Page
1880–1950Years on this page
1880
1903
Education
Graduates from West Point
1925
Major General
Appointed Major General
1930
Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff
1935
Adviser
Appointed Military Adviser to the Philippines
1941
Commander of US Army Forces in Far East
Appointed Commander of the US Army Forces in the Far East
Commander of US Army Forces in Far East
Appointed Commander of the US Army Forces in the Far East
Role range: 1939-1945
1942
Battle of Bataan
The US surrenders to the Japanese on Bataan. MacArthur is evacuated but Allied prisoners are forced on the Bataan Death March
Role range: 1939-1945
1944
Return to Leyte
MacArthur lands on Leyte after the initial assault and publicly marks the return of Allied forces to the Philippines.
Role range: 1939-1945
1945
Invasion of Japan
Appointed Commander of the Army forces against Japan
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1950-1951
Result of Surrender of Japan
MacArthur begins implementing procedures for Japan's cessation of hostilities and formal surrender.
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1950-1951
Supreme Commander
Appointed Supreme Commander for Allied Powers
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1950-1951
Surrender of Japan
Inititiates action with Japan for the cessation of hostilities
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1950-1951
Result of Surrender of Japan
MacArthur's arrival establishes the Allied command presence that will oversee Japan's formal surrender and occupation.
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1950-1951
Surrender of Japan
Arrives by plane at Atsugi airodrome to take the formal surrender of Japan
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1950-1951
Result of Surrender of Japan
MacArthur formally receives Japan's capitulation on behalf of the Allied powers.
Role range: 1939-1945
Surrender of Japan
Formally accepts the surrender of Japan on the aircraft-carrier Missouri
Role range: 1939-1945
Trial
Instructs the creation of an international war tribunal to try Japanese war criminals
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1950-1951
Constitution of USA
Granted extraordinary powers in Japan which he uses as a benevolent dictator. Draws up a new constitution for Japan
1950
Mobilization
Sends a report to the JCS predicting the collapse of the North Korean
Role range: 1950-1953
Battle of Ossan
A United Nations force ias forced to retreat by the North Koreans
Role range: 1950-1953
Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander in Chief, United Nations forces in the Korean War
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander in Chief, United Nations forces in the Korean War
Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander in Chief, United Nations forces in the Korean War
Role range: 1950-1951
United Nations
Appointed Commander in Chief, United Nations forces in the Korean War
Role range: 1950-1951
Mobilization
Pledges a "superhuman effort" to pour in men & guns to drive out the North Koreans
Role range: 1950-1953
Mobilization
US troops land at Pohang-Dong but are pushed back after having formed a defensive line
Role range: 1950-1953
Battle of Yechon
The US retakes Yechon
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Capture of Yongdok
The North Koreans capture Yongdok, only 1/4 of South Korea is under United Nations control
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Battle of Pusan
The North Koreans break across the River Naktong but are driven back again 12 days later
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Capture of Tokyo
From his Tkyo HQ MacArthur poposes plans for the US capture of Inchon
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Capture of Tokyo
The JCS gives its approval for the Inchon landings
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Chromite
The Inchon landing force sets out from Japan to invade Korea, 260 ships & 70,000 men
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Chromite
MacArthur boards the Mount McKinley
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Capture of Inchon
US destroyers & cruisers shell enemy positions 2 days before the landings
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Capture of Inchon
The US forces launch a surprise landing at Inchon 150 miles north of the Pusan perimeter
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Mobilization
Lands a United Nations force behind the lines to cut North Korean supply lines, only 20 marines die
Role range: 1950-1953
Capture of Kimbo Airport
The 5th Marines capture Kimbo Airport, South Koreas largest airport
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Capture of River Han
The US reaches the Han River near Seoul
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Capture of Inchon
North Korean units begin withdrawing to the nth
Role range: 1950-1953 – 1950-1951
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.