To many Filipinos, Gen. Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) is regarded as a national hero, though opinions may vary. His legacy stems from his role as a military advisor to the Philippines from 1935 to 1941 and his leadership in liberating the country from Japanese occupation during World War II, a campaign that culminated in victory by early 1945. He is mostly remembered for the liberation of Manila (Filipino capital).
The Battle for Manila in 1945 was a brutal and devastating conflict that marked the final phase of the Allied campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II. Fought between February 3 and March 3, the battle pitted American and Filipino forces against a desperate Japanese defense that led to widespread destruction and loss of civilian life. Japanese troops, under orders from Imperial commanders, engaged in ruthless urban warfare, massacring tens of thousands of civilians and turning the city into a battleground of relentless street-to-street fighting. By the end of the battle, Manila lay in ruins, with many of its historic buildings and infrastructure destroyed, making it one of the most heavily devastated cities of the war.
Gen. Douglas MacArthur played a crucial role in orchestrating the liberation of Manila, fulfilling his famous promise to return to the Philippines. As the commander of Allied forces in the Pacific, he launched a meticulously planned campaign to retake the capital, with U.S. and Filipino forces advancing from the north and south to encircle the city. Though MacArthur aimed for a swift and strategic recapture to minimize civilian casualties, the fierce Japanese resistance and indiscriminate killings prolonged the battle and resulted in immense destruction. Despite the heavy cost, the victory in Manila effectively marked the end of Japanese control in the Philippines, cementing MacArthur’s legacy as a liberator of the country.
On Feb. 3, 1948, just a few years after the Philippines gained independence on July 4, 1946, the nation issued a set of three commemorative stamps (Scott 519-521) to honor MacArthur. While he was widely recognized as a brilliant military strategist, U.S. postal regulations at the time prohibited issuing stamps featuring living individuals, meaning MacArthur did not receive the same recognition in his home country.
When MacArthur passed away on April 5, 1964, his once-unquestioned reputation had become somewhat controversial, delaying any immediate philatelic tribute in the United States. The primary point of contention stemmed from his actions during the Korean War, where he served as the commanding general of United Nations forces. He strongly advocated for aggressive measures against China, including bombing campaigns and a naval blockade. However, while he was free to make recommendations, ultimate authority rested with the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and President Harry Truman, who ultimately rejected his proposal.
There are also some other stamps with Douglas MacArthur issued by the USA and some other countries.
Based upon the information given on linns.com
