Arthur MacArthur, Jr.
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Arthur MacArthur, Jr. (June 2, 1845 - September 5, 1912), was a United States Army general. He became the military governor of the American-occupied Philippines in 1900 but his term ended a year later due to clashes with the civilian governor, future President William Howard Taft.
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Early Life
MacArthur was the father of the famed general Douglas MacArthur, as well as Arthur MacArthur III, a captain in the Navy. His own father, Arthur MacArthur, Sr., was the fourth governor of Wisconsin. During the Civil War, Arthur MacArthur, Jr. won the Medal of Honor for electrifying his regiment in battle with the cry "On Wisconsin" at the Battle of Chattanooga.
Spanish-American War
During the first part of the Spanish American War, MacArthur was serving as the adjutant general of the III Corps in Georgia. In June, 1898 he was promoted brigadier general in the volunteer army and commanded the Third Philippine Expedition. When he arrived in the Philippines he took command of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, VIII Corps and led it at the Battle of Manila (1898). He was appointed major general of volunteers when the Spanish-American War ended.
Philippine-American War
MacArthur led the 2nd Division, VIII Corps during the Philippine-American War at the Battle of Manila (1899), the Malolos campaign and the Northern Offensive. When the war turned from conventional battles to guerilla warfare, MacArthur commanded the Dept of Northern Luzon. In January, 1900 he was appointed brigadier general in the regular army and was appointed military governor of the Philippines and assumed command of the VIII Corps, replacing Elwell S. Otis. He authorised the expedition under Frederick Funston which resulted in the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo. MacArthur persuaded the captured Aguinaldo to swear allegiance to the United States. He clashed severely with the civilian governor of the Philippines, William H. Taft, so much that MacArthur was eventually transferred to command the Department of the Pacific, where he was promoted to lieutenant general.
Awards
Military awards and decorations include the Civil War Campaign Medal, Indian Campaign Medal, Spanish Campaign Medal, Philippine Campaign Medal, and the Medal of Honor.
Trivia
- Arthur MacArthur, Jr. is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
- Just over four decades later, his son Douglas MacArthur would gain fame for leading U.S forces to victory in the Philippines.
- Arthur MacArthur, Jr. and Douglas MacArthur were the first father and son ever to each be awarded a Medal of Honor.
External links
- Bio and gravesite photo of Arthur MacArthur, Jr. (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/amacart.htm)