From 1919 to 1941, Clark Field in the Philippines was home to American air power in the western part of the Pacific. Attacked by the Japanese at the start of the war and then abandoned in the retreat to Bataan, the airfield was taken over by Japanese troops before being recaptured in 1945. To explore the development and history of Clark Field, we sat down with Dr. Richard Meixsel, author of Clark Field and the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Philippines, 1919-1942.

Clark Field

On February 13, 2020, the MacArthur Memorial hosted bestselling author Hampton Sides for a discussion of his book On Desperate Ground: The Marines at the Reservoir, the Korean Wars’ Greatest Battle.  On Desperate Ground explores the Korean War and a controversial chapter of MacArthur’s career.

On Desperate Ground - Book Talk

Victory Mail - more commonly referred to as V-Mail - was a mail process used by the United States during World War II.  It was designed to reduce the weight and fuel costs of mail, while helping citizens correspond with service members stationed overseas. To learn more about V-Mail, we sat down with Lynn Heidelbaugh, curator at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum.

V-Mail

General Arthur MacArthur, the father of Douglas MacArthur, traveled to the Philippines in the summer of 1898 and took part in one of the most interesting battles of the Spanish-American War – the land Battle of Manila. The American victory there began the transition of the Philippines from a Spanish colony to an American territory, and ultimately set the stage for the Philippine-American War.

Land Battle of Manila - Spanish American War

History has always been a regular and dependable muse for Hollywood. However, there is always tension between "real" history and "reel" history.  The Battle of Midway is an excellent example of this tension and how Hollywood's take on history is influenced by contemporary events and social issues.  Recently, we sat down with Dr. Tim Orr to discuss the Battle of Midway and how it has been portrayed in major films since 1942.  We also asked if Hollywood was GOOD or BAD for history!

History vs Hollywood: The Battle of Midway

Vicente Lim

Who was Vicente Lim?  Dr. Richard Meixsel, author of the book Frustrated Ambition: General Vicente Lim and the Philippine Military Experience, 1910–1944, answers this question with a brief exploration of Lim's life and times.  The first Filipino to graduate from West Point, Lim’s military career spanned more than three decades.  Although disappointed when World War I ended before he could get to France with a Filipino Division, Lim would later be instrumental in the development of the Philippine military and he would serve with distinction in World War II.  After the fall of the Philippines and his later release by the Japanese, Lim worked with guerrilla networks to continue to resist the Japanese occupation.  He was captured and later executed in December 1944.

General Vicente Lim

At 2:22 p.m. EST on December 7, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt’s Press Secretary, Stephen Early, announced to the press pool: "The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor from the air and all naval and military activities on the island of Oahu, principal American base in the Hawaiian islands."  Within minutes, millions of Americans were informed of the attack.  However, it would take days, months, and years for a more complete picture of the attacks to emerge.  In this episode, Laura Orr of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, discusses firsthand accounts of several servicemembers who were at Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack. Some of them fought the Japanese, some rescued other servicemembers, and some were killed in the attack (18:14)

Pearl Harbor Memories

The American Civil War was an immediate and formative experience for General MacArthur’s parents and their families.  General MacArthur even referred to himself as the “reunion of blue and gray personified.”  In this special lecture, historian Chris Mackowski tells the story of the Battle of the Wilderness.

The Battle of the Wilderness

The American Civil War was an immediate and formative experience for General MacArthur’s parents and their families.  General MacArthur even referred to himself as the “reunion of blue and gray personified.”  In this special lecture, historian Dan Welch tells the story of a MacArthur relative, William J. Hardy, who fought with the 1st Richmond Howitzers at the Battle of Gettysburg.

A MacArthur Relative at Gettysburg

General MacArthur was a voracious reader.  Prior to World War II, he owned thousands of books.  He had to leave this library behind when he escaped to Corregidor during the Japanese conquest of the Philippines.  Sadly, most of the library was destroyed or looted by the end of World War II.  Despite this loss, through gifts and purchases, he was able to amass a second library.  Today, this post-1941 library is housed at the MacArthur Memorial.  It is a fascinating library of over 5000 volumes - with subjects ranging from earthquakes in Japan, to sports, to military history, literature, religion, astronomy, and much more!

MacArthur's Post-1941 Library

The MacArthur Memorial produces a podcast on a variety of topics related to the life and times of General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964).  Topics vary and cover subjects related to World War I, World War II, and the Korean War - all designed to give insights into MacArthur's decisions and beliefs.  These podcasts also explore the controversies surrounding MacArthur.  The MacArthur Memorial is located in Norfolk, VA and is dedicated to preserving and presenting the legacy of General MacArthur and the millions of men and women who served with him.

Very thoughtful podcast, made by people who are committed to preserving the MacArthur legacy.

Passionate about the MacArthur legacy

It&#39;s about time the story and legacy of this Great Man of Honor--who endures many years of struggles through WARS.. Peace&gt;&gt;&gt; Occupation...Rebuilding a Nation and the Preservation of Duty--Honor--Country--is now viewable and available. 

This podcast truly possess a unique insight and absolute knowledge of the life and times of the General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, one of America&#39;s Greatest Heroes.

Many thanks to the Memorial&#39;s  Education Department Manager, Amanda Williams,  for her tireless effort and thorough research. You&#39;ve created a masterpiece where people throughout the world have waited 47 years, and now, the wait is over to hear and enjoy different episodes!  

Please keep up the great job that you&#39;re doing!

Emery O. Odango

Great Podcast

MacArthur Memorial Podcast

The Korean War always generates a lot of questions.  Did MacArthur really want to use nukes?  Did China make use of valuable intelligence from the Cambridge Five?  Were Russian pilots engaging American planes on the Yalu River?  Why was the air war in Korea so restricted?  Or was it?  To discuss these questions, the MacArthur Memorial staff sat down with Dr. Conrad Crane, ‎Chief of Historical Services and Support at the United States Army Heritage and Education Center and author of American Airpower Strategy in Korea, 1950-1953.

The Air War in Korea

In June 2017, the MacArthur Memorial, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the VA WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission hosted a symposium to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway.  Anthony Tully, co-author of Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway, explored the battle from the Japanese perspective.

The Japanese Perspective on Midway

On September 2, 1945, representatives of Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender in a ceremony aboard the USS Missouri.  General Douglas MacArthur presided over this carefully orchestrated ceremony as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.  Many of the Allied nations had expressed dissatisfaction with the secrecy of the evening surrender of Nazi Germany in May of 1945, so there was enormous pressure on MacArthur and his staff to ensure that the official end of World War II was impressive, flawless, and well covered by the media.  The resulting 23 minute ceremony was painstakingly planned start to finish.    This special podcast in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the surrender will take you behind the scenes of this extraordinary event to explore the participants, the planning, and the various mistakes that threatened to derail the event.

On September 2, 1945, representatives of Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender in a ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. General Douglas MacArthur presided over this carefully orchestrated ceremony as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. Many of the Allied nations had expressed dissatisfaction with the secrecy of the evening surrender of Nazi Germany in May of 1945, so there was enormous pressure on MacArthur and his staff to ensure that the official end of World War II was impressive, flawless, and well covered by the media. The resulting 23 minute ceremony was painstakingly planned start to finish. This special podcast in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the surrender will take you behind the scenes of this extraordinary event to explore the participants, the planning, and the various mistakes that threatened to derail the event.

The Surrender of Japan

Assuming his duties as leader of the Occupation of Japan in September 1945, General MacArthur was faced with a daunting task.  No modern occupation had been successful, and history was not in his favor.  Some of the great commanders in history – including Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Wellington, Kitchener, and Petain – had seen their battlefield triumphs unravel in occupations.  However, just a few short weeks into the Occupation of Japan, on September 27, 1945, a single black and white photograph would set the Occupation on track for success.  The photograph captured the first meeting between General MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito of Japan.  This month’s podcast will examine this meeting and evaluate the effect it had on the Occupation.

Hirohito and MacArthur:  The First Meeting

Robert E Lee

General MacArthur was a self-proclaimed child of the "Blue and Gray."  He grew up hearing stories of his father's exploits with the 24th Wisconsin during the American Civil War and his Virginia born mother idolized Robert E. Lee. From West Point, to engineering assignments, to Mexico, parts of MacArthur's early military career would mimic Lee's early career.   In 2013, U.S. Army Captain Mark Ehlers sat down with the Memorial's staff to talk about Robert E. Lee, West Point and leadership.  At the time of the interview, Captain Ehlers was serving as an instructor in American History at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

General MacArthur was a self-proclaimed child of the "Blue and Gray." He grew up hearing stories of his father's exploits with the 24th Wisconsin during the American Civil War and his Virginia born mother idolized Robert E. Lee. From West Point, to engineering assignments, to Mexico, parts of MacArthur's early military career would mimic Lee's early career. In 2013, U.S. Army Captain Mark Ehlers sat down with the Memorial's staff to talk about Robert E. Lee, West Point and leadership. At the time of the interview, Captain Ehlers was serving as an instructor in American History at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Robert E Lee - Leadership and West Point

In June 2017, the MacArthur Memorial, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the VA WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission hosted a symposium to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway.  Dr. Timothy Orr, co-author of Never Call Me a Hero, explored the role of USN pilots at the Battle of Midway.

USN Pilots at Midway

In terms of personality and style, it would be difficult to find two more different men than General MacArthur and General Eisenhower.  Praised by newspapers as “Destiny’s Child,” and “Mars,” General MacArthur was larger than life - dramatic, proud, and aristocratic.  In contrast, General Eisenhower was often described by his contemporaries as personable, steady, and far more practical than MacArthur.  Ten years MacArthur’s junior, Eisenhower would spend a great portion of his career working as MacArthur’s military aide.  Predictably, their relationship was at times tense.  Privately Eisenhower would write that MacArthur was a “genius” one day, and a “baby” the next.  In a similar fashion, MacArthur would write that Eisenhower’s value to the Army was “Superior,” but would later make it clear in his autobiography that he thought himself far superior to Eisenhower.  Publically however, both men always presented a united front – refusing to ever criticize each other in the press.  This podcast will explore the MacArthur-Eisenhower relationship – their similarities, differences, and the tensions.

Eisenhower and MacArthur

During World War II, the Japanese recruited dozens of English speaking women to be part of a propaganda broadcast aimed at lowering the morale of Allied troops in the Pacific.  The broadcasters would report Japanese successes and describe the overwhelming advantages of Japanese forces.  Often these reports were false, and most Allied troops knew it, but shows with the female broadcasters were just simply popular with the troops.  These female broadcasters became collectively known to American troops as “Tokyo Rose.”  At the end of the war however, only one of these women would be primarily identified as the “Tokyo Rose.”  Her name was Ikuko “Iva” Toguri.  Shockingly, she was also a U.S. citizen.  But how did she become the legendary “Tokyo Rose” – and the seventh person convicted of treason?

Tokyo Rose

On April 9th 1942, Bataan fell to the Japanese. The defenders had bravely held out, but the Japanese juggernaut was unstoppable. As prisoners of war they were forced to march many miles on what became known as the Bataan Death March, only to stop at the infamous Camp O’Donnell, where thousands died from starvation, sickness, and the brutal treatment of their captors. In the months and years that followed, thousands of American and Filipino soldiers would be subject to atrocities that few could even fathom. When MacArthur’s forces returned to the Philippines in 1944-45, there were 500 of these American prisoners in a camp called Cabanatuan, on the main island of Luzon.  Intelligence reports indicated that similar camps were being liquidated by the Japanese.  Cabanatuan had to be liberated. This podcast will explore the fate of these prisoners of Bataan-Corregidor, and how 500 of them were saved in one of the most daring and heroic raids in history.

Cabanatuan Raid

Are leaders born or made? Why do places like West Point seem to generate extremely high numbers of business, military, and political leaders?  To answer these questions, we sat down with Major Adrienne M. Harrison - a West Point graduate and a veteran of three tours in Iraq.  Major Harrison also holds a PhD in History and at the time of this interview was serving as an Assistant Professor of History in West Point's History Department

West Point and Leadership

In August 2017, Dr. Allen D. Boyer visited the MacArthur Memorial and discussed Rocky Boyer’s War: An Unvarnished History of the Air Blitz that Won the War in the Southwest Pacific. Based on an “unauthorized” diary that was kept by Dr. Boyer’s father, Rocky’ Boyer’s War provides a soldier’s history of General George Kenney’s air war in the Southwest Pacific from New Guinea to the Philippines.

Rocky Boyer's War

Episode Fifty-Nine: The Five-Star Rank  (December 2015)  On December 14, 1944, Congress approved the creation of the grade of "General of the Army” and “Fleet Admiral.”  Over the next two weeks, seven officers in the American Army and Navy were promoted to these newly authorized ranks.  The reason for these promotions was simple. American senior commanders needed to be able to work on equal terms with their Allied counterparts – including but not limited to British field marshals.  The officers promoted to this rank in 1944 included: Admiral William Leahy, General George Marshall, Admiral Ernest King, General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Chester Nimitz, General Dwight Eisenhower, and General Henry “Hap” Arnold.  The last two officers to be promoted to this rank were Admiral William Halsey in 1945 and General Omar Bradley in 1950.  Since then, while the Army, Air Force, and Navy continue to maintain the rank, it has not been held by an officer in decades.

Episode Fifty-Nine: The Five-Star Rank (December 2015) On December 14, 1944, Congress approved the creation of the grade of "General of the Army” and “Fleet Admiral.” Over the next two weeks, seven officers in the American Army and Navy were promoted to these newly authorized ranks. The reason for these promotions was simple. American senior commanders needed to be able to work on equal terms with their Allied counterparts – including but not limited to British field marshals. The officers promoted to this rank in 1944 included: Admiral William Leahy, General George Marshall, Admiral Ernest King, General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Chester Nimitz, General Dwight Eisenhower, and General Henry “Hap” Arnold. The last two officers to be promoted to this rank were Admiral William Halsey in 1945 and General Omar Bradley in 1950. Since then, while the Army, Air Force, and Navy continue to maintain the rank, it has not been held by an officer in decades.

The Five-Star Rank

In June 2017, the MacArthur Memorial, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the VA WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission hosted a symposium to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway.  Walter Borneman, author of The Admirals and MacArthur at War, kicked off the symposium with an overview of the Pacific War leading up to June 1942.

Sailing the Seas to Midway

General Douglas MacArthur died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on April 5, 1964.  Years before, President John F. Kennedy had authorized an elaborate State Funeral for MacArthur.  On the General’s death, President Johnson reaffirmed Kennedy’s directive and ordered that MacArthur be buried "with all the honor a grateful nation can bestow on a departed hero."  Over the next week, MacArthur’s body lay in state at the 7th Regimental Armory in New York City and then in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C, before coming to the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA – a place chosen by the General to be his final resting place.  The funeral was held on April 11th, the thirteenth anniversary of MacArthur’s firing by President Truman during the Korean War.  This podcast tells the story of the General’s final days and the impressive funeral that honored his service.

General Douglas MacArthur died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on April 5, 1964. Years before, President John F. Kennedy had authorized an elaborate State Funeral for MacArthur. On the General’s death, President Johnson reaffirmed Kennedy’s directive and ordered that MacArthur be buried "with all the honor a grateful nation can bestow on a departed hero." Over the next week, MacArthur’s body lay in state at the 7th Regimental Armory in New York City and then in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C, before coming to the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA – a place chosen by the General to be his final resting place. The funeral was held on April 11th, the thirteenth anniversary of MacArthur’s firing by President Truman during the Korean War. This podcast tells the story of the General’s final days and the impressive funeral that honored his service.

The Final Salute

Honor

French military historian Henri Lachouque once wrote: “An old adage runs ‘There is no Temple without a God and no Throne without a Guard.’ But there are guards and Guards.”  Lachouque was referring to Napoleon’s Imperial Guard, an elite unit which served as the French Emperor’s personal bodyguard and also as his “shock troops” to whom he turned for the most difficult assignments on the battlefield. Throughout history some of the world’s most colorful and charismatic military leaders have surrounded themselves with a personal guard composed of hand-picked men. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur’s Honor Guard was one of the most important and visible parts of the General’s official family during the closing months of World War II and throughout the Occupation of Japan. The members of this elite unit were selected based on their military bearing, intelligence and physical stature, and every combat Division of the U.S. Army in the Pacific was represented in its ranks. They were the best of the best, because when it came to the security for his Headquarters and family, MacArthur would accept nothing but the finest.

The Honor Guard:  Only the Finest

In April 2014, as part of the MacArthur Memorial’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration, the Memorial hosted a special speaker series.  One of the speakers, Dan Rice, coauthored the book: West Point Leadership: Profiles of Courage.  This book features hundreds of short biographies of prominent West Point graduates – including leaders like MacArthur, Eisenhower, Grant, Pershing, and Petraeus.  While at the Memorial, Mr. Rice discussed West Point and how for centuries, the leadership skills of its graduates have translated into success on the battlefield, the boardroom, and in politics.

MacArthur and West Point Leadership

Author Ann Todd discusses her book OSS Operation Black Mail - the story of Elizabeth "Betty" P. McIntosh, who spent eighteen months serving in the Office of Strategic Services in what has been called the "forgotten theater," China-Burma-India.   Her craft was black propaganda, and her mission was to demoralize the Japanese through prevarication and deceit, and ultimately, convince them to surrender. On the front lines of psychological warfare, she met and worked with a cast of characters as varied as Julia Child and Ho Chi Minh. She also witnessed an Asia where the colonial world was ending, and chaos awaited.

Author Ann Todd discusses her book OSS Operation Black Mail - the story of Elizabeth "Betty" P. McIntosh, who spent eighteen months serving in the Office of Strategic Services in what has been called the "forgotten theater," China-Burma-India. Her craft was black propaganda, and her mission was to demoralize the Japanese through prevarication and deceit, and ultimately, convince them to surrender. On the front lines of psychological warfare, she met and worked with a cast of characters as varied as Julia Child and Ho Chi Minh. She also witnessed an Asia where the colonial world was ending, and chaos awaited.

OSS Operation Black Mail

Theresa Kaminski

Dr. Theresa Kaminski, author of the book Angels of the Underground: The American Women Who Resisted the Japanese in the Philippines in World War II, spoke at the MacArthur Memorial’s 2016 WWII Symposium.  During her presentation, Dr. Kaminski explored the lives of four different women who survived the fall of Manila and the several years of Japanese occupation that followed.  Relatively unknown today, these women served in a little known resistance movement that smuggled supplies and information to the guerrillas and POWs in the Philippines.

'Angels of the Underground' - Dr. Theresa Kaminski

In April 2014, as part of the MacArthur Memorial’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration, the Memorial hosted a special speaker series.  One of the speakers, Nimrod Frazer, author of the book Send the Alabamians: World War I Fighters in the Rainbow Division, spoke about Douglas MacArthur and his time with the 42nd Rainbow Division in France.  Mr. Frazer is a Korean War veteran and a recipient of the Silver Star.

MacArthur and the 42nd Division in France

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best True Crime Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!