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  • Subject: MacArthur VS. Eisenhower
Subject: MacArthur VS. Eisenhower

"I will show you how a true Prussian officer fights!"

"And i will show you where the iron crosses grow..."

- "Cross of Iron"

What would you have done differently in either of the theaters these generals commanded during the second world war? Who do you think did a better job?

MacArthur commanded all ground units in the pacific against the Japanese and Eisenhower was SHAEF (Supreme headquarters allied command) he controlled all allied forces in the European theater.

For me the choice is extremely tough ive read a lot on both men and theaters and what they did so its a bit harder for me.

  • 12.26.2012 5:47 PM PDT
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Well, here we are. I guess that it was destined to come to this.

The fact that Eisenhower was more politically savvy/capable is apparent by what happened in their careers after WWII.

Many modern generals are more politicians than tacticians. Though the skills in one area can be helpful in the other.

  • 12.26.2012 5:50 PM PDT

"I will show you how a true Prussian officer fights!"

"And i will show you where the iron crosses grow..."

- "Cross of Iron"


Posted by: Recon Number 54
The fact that Eisenhower was more politically savvy/capable is apparent by what happened in their careers after WWII.

Many modern generals are more politicians than tacticians. Though the skills in one area can be helpful in the other.


Definitely, unfortunately for Eisenhower he had to deal with Patton and Montgomery both looking for fame in there particular country's so his duty became rather political. For example Market Garden where he chose to take fuel away from Pattons drive in central France to Montgomery's plan for a pencil push into the heart of the industrial Ruhr of Germany.

  • 12.26.2012 5:53 PM PDT
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Well, here we are. I guess that it was destined to come to this.

Posted by: Raptorx7
Posted by: Recon Number 54
The fact that Eisenhower was more politically savvy/capable is apparent by what happened in their careers after WWII.

Many modern generals are more politicians than tacticians. Though the skills in one area can be helpful in the other.
Definitely, unfortunately for Eisenhower he had to deal with Patton and Montgomery both looking for fame in there particular country's so his duty became rather political. For example Market Garden where he chose to take fuel away from Pattons drive in central France to Montgomery's plan for a pencil push into the heart of the industrial Ruhr of Germany.

Eisenhower was much more politically astute and sensitive.

MacArthur on the other hand, didn't handle things well with Congress or the CiC and so, got relieved by Truman. He was willing to wage real war (ugly and brutal) and didn't candy coat it for "general consumption" (pardon the pun).

His position of "if we find ourselves in an untenable or undesirable position, we have and should use weapons that we have in reserve against our enemy and those who are supporting them", which is an almost crystal clear statement of "if I don't like how things are going and I have the ability to order atomic weapons into action, I will not hesitate to do so, even if that means nuking the Chinese." Yeah, not a politically gentle or acceptable thing to say. Too much iron fist and no velvet glove.

  • 12.26.2012 6:01 PM PDT

Eisenhower. MacArthur was an ego maniac nut job.

  • 12.26.2012 6:15 PM PDT