Evacuation of General MacArthur from the Philippines

Douglas MacArthur was a well-known experienced officer. His father is Lieutenant General Arthur MacArthur Jr. , awarded the Medal of Honor for Service during the Civil War in the United States . In 1903, Douglas MacArthur graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, becoming one of the best in the class. From 1905 to 1906 he served as an adjutant to his father and from 1906 to 1907 he was adjutant to President Theodore Roosevelt ^[1] . During World War I, he commanded the 84th Brigade of the 42nd Rainbow Division, which fought on the Western Front. After the war, he held the posts of Superintendent (head) of the US Military Academy and head of the US Army headquarters. In 1937, MacArthur resigned from the US Army and became Field Marshal of the Philippine Army ^[2] .

His duty was to advise the Philippine government on defense issues and prepare the Philippine defense forces for their full independence day, which was due in 1946. ^[3] The Philippine army and the officer corps, the conscripts, were entirely composed of Filipinos, with a small number of American advisers. Since 1937, 20 thousand people studied every year. The United States held a permanent garrison of 10 thousand people. Half of it was Filipinos serving in the US Army known as the Philippine Scouts . ^[four]

In July 1941, he was drafted into the army and at the age of 61 led the command of US forces in the Far East, commanding both American and Philippine forces ^[2] .

MacArthur assumed the vast task of preparing the Philippine army for war ^[5] . The Philippines did not have a fleet at all, but during a visit to the United States in 1937, MacArthur managed to push through the Ministry of the Navy a plan to build RT boats, small, fast, equipped with torpedoes, which, in his opinion, were ideally suited for operations in Philippine waters (shallow water and a large number of bays) ^{[6] [7]} . The Philippine fleet received three such boats, named Q-boats in honor of President Manuel Quezon ^[8] . In August 1941, the U.S. Navy command formed the third squadron of motor boats under the command of Lt. Balkley. The squadron consisted of six boats (normally it should have been 12) under the numbers 31-35 and 41 ^[7] . Boats arrived in Manila in September 1941 ^[9] . It was clear that for successful defense of the Philippines, not only RT boats would be required ^[4] .

Since 1907, US military strategists decided that repelling the invasion of the Philippines would be impractical. The best hope was that the garrison would defend the Bataan Peninsula until help arrives. In the 1920s, it was calculated that they could last 60 days. In the 1930s, strategists changed the forecast to a more pessimistic one due to an increase in aviation capabilities. In 1936, strategists agreed to write off the Philippines ^[10] . But in July 1941 this decision was rejected, the US government decided to defend and hold the Philippines. This decision was partly based on the belief that B-17 bombers would be able to inflict losses or destroy the invasion forces ^[11] .

Soon after the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, MacArthur proclaimed Manila an open city in accordance with the pre-war plan and ordered the forces stationed on Luzon Island to retreat to the Bataan Peninsula. The Government of the Philippines, the Office of the High Commissioner and the headquarters of the American forces in the Far East of MacArthur moved to Corehidor Island ^[12] . Although all relatives of the US military were sent to the United States, the MacArthur family remained in the Philippines ^[13] because he himself was retired as an employee of the Philippine government. MacArthur's wife Jane and his young son Arthur went with him to Corehidor ^[14] . February 21, 1942 Arthur celebrated his fourth birthday there ^[15] . When asked about the possible fate of Arthur Douglas MacArthur answered: “He is the son of a soldier” ^[16] .

Most of the U.S. Asian fleet withdrew to the southern Philippines. Only a small group was left under the command of Vice Admiral Francis W. Rockwell, consisting of a USS Canopus submarine base , a Pigeon submarine rescue vessel, Oahu , Luzon and Mindanao gunboats, Finch , Tanager and Quail minesweepers, five tugboats, three small patrol boats PT boats from the third squadron of motor boats. The loss of Manila and the Subic American naval base greatly complicated the situation with fuel and spare parts. PT boats relied on the USS Canopus and the USS Dewey floating dry dock to assist with maintenance. Despite this, the third squadron continued to patrol. On December 17, the PT-32, PT-34, and PT-35 boats rescued 296 people from the SS Corregidor hydrocarrier transporting refugees to Australia. (Hydroavianosets blew up a mine and sank in Manila Bay). A week later, the PT-33 boat, while patrolling south of Manila Bay, ran aground and was burned to avoid being captured by the Japanese. A month later, the RT-31 took a similar fate, after his car failed and it was demolished ^[17] . On the night of January 23, 1942, RT boats attacked enemy barges near Luzon, February 1 attacked a small Japanese warship and February 17 a small Japanese ship, possibly a fishing trawler ^[18] .

Washington

In a message to President Roosevelt sent to Washington on February 11, MacArthur announced that he and his family intend to “share the fate of the garrison” ^[19] . MacArthur knew that at best he would be captured, and he could die from bombing or shelling ^[20] . Three days later, US Army Chief of Staff General George Marshall insisted that MacArthur send his family away, but the general ignored this part of the message. In Washington, they feared that with the fall of Correhidor, MacArthur would be captured. From the most experienced American general there would be little use if he ended up in a prisoner of war camp ^[21] . He was also a living symbol of the resistance of the allies to the Japanese. The brave but hopeless defense of Bataan captured the imagination of the American public ^[22] , who saw him as the only allied general who knew how to fight the Japanese ^[16] .

American historian Walter Borneman noted:

“In this difficult period, when the American public was shocked by Pearl Harbor and was not sure of the future of Europe, the people desperately needed a hero and wholeheartedly accepted MacArthur - rather his image created in the press. There were simply no other candidates that could compare with his mystical influence, not to mention his image of a lone wolf evoking memories that always influenced Americans. ”

Original text

in a fragile period of the American psyche when the general American public, still stunned by the shock of Pearl Harbor and uncertain what lay ahead in Europe, desperately needed a hero, they wholeheartedly embraced Douglas MacArthur — good press copy that he was. There simply were no other choices that came close to matching his mystique, not to mention his evocative lone-wolf stand — something that always resonated with Americans.

- ^[23]

Secretary of State Cordell Hull raised the issue of MacArthur's evacuation. Brigadier General Dwight Eisenhower wrote in his diary:

“I can’t believe that we are more concerned about articles in the editorial offices and reaction to public opinion than military logic. "Pa" Watson is clearly convinced that we must take out MacArthur, since it costs "five army corps".

Original text

I cannot help thinking that we are disturbed by editorials and reacting to "public opinion" rather than to military logic. "Pa" Watson is certain we must get MacArthur out, as being worth "five Army corps".

- ^[24]

President Roosevelt was considering sending MacArthur at 8 ° 00′00 ″ s. w. 125 ° 00′00 ″ c. e. HGJAO island of Mindanao to coordinate the defensive actions of the Philippine forces. However, a new question arose. After the fall of Singapore, the fate of the Command of the American, British, Dutch and Australian Armed Forces (ABDA) was doomed, the command of MacArthur became only nominal. The United States discussed with Britain a section of the future command. The parties agreed that the United States will take responsibility for the southwestern Pacific. MacArthur's candidacy was obvious for the post of senior American officer ^[25] . On February 23, MacArthur received a message from President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Henry Stimson and Army Chief of Staff Marshall ^[26] :

“The President instructs you to pack up and leave for Mindanao as soon as possible ... From Mindanao you will go to Australia, where you will take command of all American forces ... The necessary orders will be given according to your request for a submarine or plane, or both, so that you can fulfill the above above instructions. You are authorized to pick up your chief of staff, General Sutherland. "

Original text

The President directs that you make arrangements to leave and proceed to Mindanao. You are directed to make this change as quickly as possible ... From Mindanao you will proceed to Australia where you will assume command of all United States troops ... Instructions will be given from here at your request for the movement of submarine or plane or both to enable you to carry out the foregoing instructions. You are authorized to take your chief of staff General Sutherland.

- ^[27]

Correhidor

MacArthur answered with a request to allow him to choose the time of evacuation. “If the right moment for this delicate operation is not chosen,” he wrote, “a sudden collapse may occur” ^[24] . “With regard to specific details,” the general continued, “I consider it prudent to go to Mindanao, together on surface ships and submarines, and from there by air, since a further trip in a submarine will take too much time” ^[24] . Marshall replied that the president allowed MacArthur himself to choose the time and method of evacuation ^[26] . On February 27, the ABDA was dissolved, MacArthur formally passed under Dutch command, but received orders to contact the War Department directly ^[25] .

On March 1, MacArthur inspected a squadron of RT boats. MacArthur and his wife Jane embarked on a half-hour sea voyage on a RT-41 boat under cover of the four remaining Curtiss P-40 fighters. Although the sea was calm, Jane was tormented by seasickness ^[26] . To avert his eyes, MacArthur announced the purpose of his visit to award Lieutenant Balkeli with a cross for outstanding service (for sinking "unidentified 5 thousand ton enemy ships with torpedoes without serious damage to his ship and crew") ^[28] . MacArthur took Balkeli to the side and asked if it was possible to make a 600-mile (970 km) night trip on RT boats on uncharted waters ^[29] . Balkeli replied that it would be a trifle ^[30] .

When several days passed without any further words on this subject, subsequent messages were sent on March 6 and 9 ^[26] . On March 10, MacArthur decided that the Bataan Front was not in danger of collapse ^[31] and announced that it planned to sail on March 15 ^[26] when the USS Permit submarine arrived in Correchidor. MacArthur headquarters in Correchidore listened to radio broadcasts in the United States, which said that MacArthur will go to Australia. It was assumed that the Japanese also listened to these programs. Ominous signs also appeared: in the Subic Bay , Japanese patrols from surface ships were noticed, reports came of the appearance of Japanese destroyers moving north from the southern part of the Philippines ^[32] . Therefore, MacArthur decided not to wait for the submarine and set sail as soon as possible, on the night of March 11, on a RT boat. Instead of himself, he left Major General John Wainwright to command the troops on Bataan and Correchidore. MacArthur promised Wainwright: "If you are still in Bataan when I return, I will make you lieutenant general." Wainwright replied: “I will be on Bataan if I survive.” ^[33]

The senior officer of the third squadron of torpedo boats, the commander of the RT-34 boat, Lieutenant Robert Kelly ^[34] later recalled the decision to go on boats instead of waiting for the submarine.

“When I served under Lieutenant Balkeli as his deputy during this and the previous assignments, I was devoted to the details of his negotiations with General MacArthur. MacArthur’s decision to go on boats dramatically emphasized for the American public the unequal struggle that the United States waged in the Philippines. This equated the old account with the fleet. In addition, MacArthur suffered from claustrophobia and did not want to sail on a submarine going underwater with a captain whom he did not know personally and therefore chose a more suitable alternative for himself. ”

Original text

The President directs that you make arrangements to leave and proceed to Mindanao. You are directed to make this change as quickly as possible ... From Mindanao you will proceed to Australia where you will assume command of all United States troops ... Instructions will be given from here at your request for the movement of submarine or plane or both to enable you to carry out the foregoing instructions. You are authorized to take your chief of staff General Sutherland.

- ^[35]

Cooking

Balkels and his men prepared the boats for the campaign. The engines on all boats worked twice in difficult military conditions without the recommended overhaul. As a result, the speed of the boats decreased by half. Since there were no spare parts, the gaskets (to be replaced under normal conditions) were thoroughly cleaned and replaced. Each boat carried twenty additional 55 gallon barrels of fuel on deck. In view of this, the speed of boats decreased to 30 knots ^[36] . In order to make room for passengers, Balkeli left 32 of his men ashore, they were sent to infantry units on the Bataan Front ^[37] .

General Richard Sutherland, MacArthur's chief of staff, compiled passenger lists ^[38] . Rockwell and his chief of staff, Captain Herbert Ray, were ordered to accompany MacArthur. ^[32] They were supposed to sail on a submarine, but the plan was changed after the postponement of MacArthur's evacuation date. At the request of the Air Force command, Brigadier General Harold George was included in the number of passengers ^[38] .

MacArthur was accompanied by his family: his wife Jane, four-year-old son Arthur ^[39] and Chinese woman A Che, the nanny (amah) of Arthur. MacArthur later explained his decision to capture a Chinese woman instead of an American nurse ^[33] . “Only a few of those who have never lived in the East know how amah becomes a member of the family. And Che has been with us since the birth of Arthur. Imminent death would have awaited her, because of a relationship with my family, if we had left her. ” ^[40]

For medical assistance in case of need, a doctor, Major Charles Morehouse, was called from Bataan. The remaining thirteen passengers were from MacArthur headquarters, some of them served for years with the general. The creation of a new headquarters in Australia took time, the availability of its own headquarters allowed him immediately upon arrival in Australia to get involved in the work. Sutherland took two with him: his assistant lieutenant colonel Francis Wilson and stenographer of master sergeant Paul Rogers (a former privates, promoted on the same day). Rogers was the only lower rank on the list, which he wrote. Other military men gave him letters to be sent to the post office ^[38] .

Since there was no food for the passengers of the RT boats, Jane and Adjutant MacArthur, Lt. Col. Sidney L. Huff, filled four cans with cans, one for each RT boat ^[33] . Huff removed four stars from MacArthur’s car so they could be used in Australia and also grabbed a mattress for MacArthur. Later, there were stories that the mattress was crammed with cash or gold. Other stories told that on RT boats, furniture from the MacArthur residence in the Manila Hotel and even (according to one version) piano was loaded ^[40] . In fact, the weight of each passenger’s luggage was limited (no more than 35 pounds - 16 kg). Jane grabbed a small suitcase with clothes ^[41] . On the suitcase was a sticker from the New Grand Hotel in Yokohama , where she spent her honeymoon ^[42] . And Che tied his belongings in a scarf. General MacArthur took nothing. ^[41]

Campaign

Only one RT-41 boat aboard MacArthur with his family departed from the northern dock of Correchidore. Passengers from the remaining boats were delivered to Bataan in longboats and there they were already transferred to RT boats ^[44] . After his family boarded the boat, MacArthur told Major General George Moore, Commander of the Defense of Manila and Subic Bay: “George. Do not give up. I will be back. ” ^[45]

RT-41 sailed on March 11 at 19.45 and after 15 minutes joined the others ^[45] . A minelayer of the fleet led a convoy of boats ^[46] through the minefield. Then the boats were rebuilt into a rhombus, the RT-41 was ahead, the RT-31 closed the line ^[47] . In the event of a Japanese attack, the RT-41 was to flee, and the remaining three boats engage in battle with the enemy ^[48] . The sea was temperate, but soon most passengers began to experience seasickness ^[49] . MacArthur later recalled:

The weather was steadily deteriorating, high waves were beating on our little war-weary ships, marching with blackouts. Sprays hit our skin like shotguns. We flew into the hollows [between the waves] then climbed the crest of the next wave, only then to slide off its other slope. It seemed that the boat madly rushes forward and backward, freezes in the air, as if about to make a breakthrough, and then makes a jerk and goes forward along with the stream. I recalled how I later talked about swimming as if it was like traveling in a concrete mixer.

Original text

The weather deteriorated steadily, and towering waves buffeted our tiny, war-weary, blacked-out vessels. The spray drove against our skin like stinging pellets of birdshot. We would fall into a trough, then climb up the steep water peak, only to slide down the other side. The boat would toss crazily back and forth, seeming to hang free in space as though about to breach, and would then break away and go forward with a rush. I recall describing the experience afterward as what it must be like to take a trip in a concrete mixer.

- ^[50]

At night, the squadron was divided. Balkeli spent some time looking for the other three boats, but could not find them in the dark. At dawn, he left the search and headed for one of the additional shelters ^[51] . The boat PT-34 of Lieutenant Kelly was the first (at 09.30) to reach the meeting point off the island of Tagauan. No other boats were visible. One of the passengers (Admiral Rockwell) was not sure that Kelly had approached the desired island. Repair work was carried out, refueling from barrels by hand pumps was carried out. Two people were sent to the highest place on the island to warn of the possible approach of the Japanese or other boats ^[52] .

The PT-32, which had only two serviceable engines, trailed behind the rest. At dawn, Junior Lieutenant Schumacher noticed something similar to a Japanese destroyer approaching them. He threw away the barrels of fuel so that he could increase the speed, and began to leave ^[53] . Schumacher ordered the crew to stand at the 50-mm guns and prepare to launch torpedoes. Brigadier General Aikin prepared a bag filled with code books for being thrown overboard. However, when it was completely dawn and the ship came closer, the crew saw through the binoculars that it was not a Japanese destroyer at all, but a PT-41 boat, with an angry Balkeli. Schumacher was ordered to catch barrels of fuel that he threw away, but this work took time, which endangered the boats with the arrival of the morning and the crew had to abandon this task, although several barrels were caught. Balkeli ordered his gunners to sink the remaining barrels. Then two boats disappeared into the nearest bay ^[54] .

At noon, the PT-41 and PT-32 boats reached Taganoyan, where they met PT-34. There was discussion of whether to wait for the Permit submarine or move on to Mindanao. Balkeli warned that unrest at sea could intensify. But since there was no certainty that the submarine would be suitable, MacArthur decided to continue the campaign and leave at 6 p.m. in the light of day so that it would be possible to meet planes. Since there was no fuel left on the PT-32 boat, passengers were distributed among the PT-41 and PT-34 boats to reach Mindanao ^[55] . After they left, the late boat RT-35 arrived at the meeting place. Akers found only the crew of the RT-32 boat and realized that the other two boats were here and left. Therefore, he also sailed and led the boat to the city of Cagayan de Oro ^[56] .

At 19.00, after half an hour after departure from Tagayan, the crews of PT-34 and PT-41 noticed the Japanese cruiser. Balkeli sharply turned west and went at a maximum speed of 20 knots to the setting sun. The cruiser’s team did not notice the boat, possibly due to a high wave, a blinding sun or simple inattention ^{[57] [53]} . After midnight, the weather began to deteriorate, a severe swell appeared, periodic flurries flocked. Kelly later recalled.

Large foaming waves of 15-20 feet high hit the cabin, wetting everyone. Our binoculars were completely flooded with water, our eyes were soaked with caustic salt that we could not see, in addition, it was a black night. We walked with great speed through unknown waters with islands around us. We could see on the horizon the very vague contours of the large [islands] - Neros and Mindanao. But there were dozens of smaller islands and perhaps hundreds of reefs.

You had to keep your hand in front of your eyes to cover them from the water, and at the same time you needed both hands to just hold on. The admiral was quite busy: “I went on all types of fleet ships except these MTVs,” he shouted to me, overcoming the wind “And this is the worst captain’s bridge” I have ever been on. For nothing in the world I would serve on these [boats] - take them to yourself. "

Original text

Big foaming waves fifteen or twenty feet high thundering over the cockpit, drenching everybody. Our binoculars were full of water and our eyes so continuously drenched with stinging salt that we couldn't see, in addition to which it was pitch-black. We were making good speed through strange waters with islands all around us. We could see the outlines of the big ones — Negros and Mindanao — very dimly against the horizon through the storm. But there were dozens of small ones and probably hundreds of reefs.

You had to keep one hand in front of your eyes to avoid the slapping force of the water and yet you needed both to hold on.

The Admiral was pretty wrought up. "I've sailed every type of ship in the Navy except one of these MTBs", he shouted at me above the wind, "and this is the worst bridge I've ever been on. I wouldn't do duty on one of these for anything in the world — you can have them.

- ^[58]

By dawn, the wind and swell at sea began to subside, but bad weather delayed the hike of the two boats, and now they needed to cross the Mindanao Sea in daylight. March 13 after 06.30 the crew noticed Tagayan. Although the RT-34 was the first boat to go all the way from Tagayan, Kelly allowed Balkley to head, as he had channel lists. Therefore, the Balkley RT-41 boat was the first to reach the pier, MacArthur was standing on the bow. At the pier, they were met by Colonel William Morse, an officer from the headquarters of Brigadier General William F. Sharpe, Commander of the American Forces in Mindanao. MacArthur told Balkley: “I will reward every officer and sailor with a Silver Star for courage. You pulled me out of the jaws of death, and I will not forget that. ” ^[59]

A few hours later Kagayana reached and the boat RT-35. Willoughby later recalled:

We got out of the schedule and got to the northern coast of Mindanao, when it was completely dawn. It was a clear, shining day. Fortunately for us, there were no Japanese planes in the sky, although it was known that regular mail flights from the Mindanao to Luzon took place. We were striking, and time was running out.

Original text

We were behind schedule and reached the north coast of Mindanao in broad daylight. It was a clear, dazzling day. Fortunately, no Japanese planes cut across the blue sky, though the enemy was known to make regular mail flights from Mindanao to Luzon. We were pretty conspicuous as the hours dragged on.

- ^[60]

On March 13, a U.S. Permit submarine led by Lieutenant Ureford G Chapple approached Tagayan. She met the boat RT-32. Since two of the three engines failed, Schumacher decided that his boat could not go further along the sea. He asked Chapple to destroy the boat with the fire of a submarine’s deck gun. Chapple took 15 RT-32 crew members back to Correhidor. Eight crew members landed there, and Chapple took forty passengers on board, 36 of them were cryptanalysts. However, Chapple received orders to go on a permanent military patrol, which he followed. On April 7, he reached Australia ^[61] . Balkley was not aware of this and continued to search for the RT-32 ^[62] . Over the next few days, he flew over the area aboard several aircraft, including the R-35 and R-40 , hoping to find the missing boat ^[63] .

Flight

US Army Commander in Australia, Lieutenant General George Brett received a radiogram from General Marshall of Washington warning that MacArthur would need bombers to bring his unit from Mindanao to Australia. MacArthur sent a message asking him to provide him with “the most experienced pilots and the best available aircraft in the best condition” ^[64] . However, from long-range aviation, Brett had only B-17 bombers from the 19th group of bombers who had seen heavy duty in the Philippines and in the campaign in the Dutch East Indies ^[64] . Therefore, Brett turned to Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, the commander of the naval forces in the Anzac region, to lend him several aircraft from the recently arrived twelve B-17 fleet bombers. Leary refused the request. He refused the request if he did not see that the fleet could benefit ^[65] .

Thus, General Brett was forced to do on his own. He sent four old planes from the 19th bomber aviation group. Two of them were forced to return due to engine problems. One accidentally threw 300 amer. gallons (1,100 liters) of fuel. The pilot took off and almost reached the airfield del Monte, but only a few miles to the destination, its tanks were empty and the engines stalled. The B-17 landed at sea. Two of the crew died, but the rest managed to get to the coast and then to del Monte. Only one B-17, piloted by Lieutenant Harlees Pease, reached del Monte. This plane was in poor condition, it had no brakes and the supercharger was faulty. Sharpe ordered Pisa to fly to Australia before MacArthur arrives. Despite the lack of brakes, Pease flew back, bringing 16 passengers ^{[56] [65]} .

Thus, with the arrival of the RT-35 boat, the entire MacArthur group safely reached Mindanao, but there were no aircraft at the airport del Monte to receive them. MacArthur's group was taken to the plantation del Monte and placed in guest houses, offered them breakfast in the clubhouse. MacArthur sent a few brief messages to Brett in Melbourne and Marshall to Washington . On the second day of the group’s stay, a Filipino woman arrived to speak with MacArthur. Her son fought in Luzon and she walked 25 miles (40 km), hoping that the general had news about him. There was no news, of course, but the fact that she was aware of MacArthur's presence alarmed his group, since the Japanese were only 30 miles (48 km) away, in Davao , on the southern coast of Mindanao ^{[66] [67]} .

Brett went back to Leary. He was counting on a new rejection, but this time Leary provided Brett with the plane he needed. Brett thought: “Perhaps the message came from Leary to Washington.” ^[65] Recently, the 40th reconnaissance squadron was formed, which included bombers ^[68] . One B-17 returned back, the other two reached the aerodrome del Monte on March 16, landing in the dark with the help of lights ^[69] . The pilot of the first plane, Lieutenant Frank P. Bostrom, calculated that everyone could be taken away in two planes if luggage was left. MacArthur's group was divided into two groups. Two bombers took off at 01.30 on March 17. MacArthur took the place of a radio operator who was not needed, since the flight was carried out in radio silence. For most passengers, the flight took place in darkness and cold, only a blanket separated them from the metal body of the aircraft ^[70] .

When two planes flew up to Darwin , a message was received that the Japanese had made an air attack on the city. Therefore, two B-17s went to Batchelor airfield, where they landed at 09.30. MacArthur awarded the crews of both bombers with Silver Star medals ^[71] . Chief of Staff Brett, Brigadier General Ralph Royce, was ready to meet the MacArthur group. Brett sent two Australian National Airlines DS-3 planes to deliver MacArthur and his men to Melbourne ^[65] . However, MacArthur’s wife, Jane, refused to fly anymore, and MacArthur asked for a convoy to deliver him to the nearest train station, a thousand miles (1,600 km) from them in Alice Springs . Sutherland received information about the upcoming Japanese flight and asked Morehouse to intervene. Morehouse explained to MacArthur that his son, Arthur, who was suffering severely from sea and airborne illness, was given intravenous nutrition, and he, Morehouse could not guarantee that Arthur would survive the trip through the desert. MacArthur agreed to fly to Alice Springs by plane. Sutherland ordered Huff to drive everyone onto the plane, which took off immediately when a siren warning of an air raid sounded ^[72] .

In Alice Springs, the group split up. MacArthur and his family, Sutherland, Morehouse and Huff transferred to a special train that Brett borrowed from the Australians and the remainder of his headquarters on DC-3 aircraft flew to Melbourne via Adealide ^[73] . His famous speech, in which he stated “I went through this and I will be back”, MacArthur first spoke on March 20 at the Terowy train station in South Australia when he was changing trains ^{[74] [75]} . On March 21, MacArthur completed his journey when his train arrived at Spencer Street Station, where he was greeted by Australian Army Secretary Frank Ford. ^[76]

On March 17, Roosevelt made a public statement:

I know that every man and every woman in the United States admires with me the determination of General MacArthur to fight to the end with his people in the Philippines. But I also know that every man and every woman will agree that all important decisions must be made on the basis of the course towards the successful end of the war. Understanding this, I am sure that every American, personally confronted with the question of where General MacArthur can personally serve his country, can come only one answer.

Original text

I know that every man and woman in the United States admires with me General MacArthur's determination to fight to the finish with his men in the Philippines. But I also know that every man and woman is in agreement that all important decisions must be made with a view toward the successful termination of the war. Knowing this, I am sure that every American, if faced individually with the question as to where General MacArthur could best serve his country, could come to only one answer.

- ^[77]

In Bataan, the evacuation of MacArthur was reacted differently. Many Americans and Filipinos were upset and felt betrayed ^[78] . When Wainwright posted the news to his generals “they were all crushed by the news at first ... But soon I saw that they understood how I understood it” ^[79] . Some who had families in the Philippines were alarmed. One of them wrote to Roosevelt: “You could have done nothing worse to completely break the spirit of [the soldiers] and their parents at home.” ^[80] Wainwright held Correchidor until May 6 ^[81] . Joseph Goebbels declared MacArthur a “fugitive general”, Benito Mussolini called him a coward ^[82] . Marshall decided that the best way to counter this was to award MacArthur with the Medal of Honor ^[83] .

In April 1942, Balkeli led his squadron to attack the Japanese cruiser Kuma. The boats managed to hit the cruiser with a torpedo, but it turned out to be unusable and did not explode. No damage ensued ^[84] . With the loss of the city ​​of Cebu, there were no more torpedoes, and the career of the remaining boats of the Balkeli squadron came to an end. MacArthur gave torpedo boat officers the highest priority for departing from Mindanao. Balkeli flew out on April 13 by order of MacArthur ^[85] . Knox, Kelly and Akers flew out on April 23. Brantham flew on one of the last aircraft from Mindanao. Sharp surrendered in Mindanao on May 10 ^{[86] [87]} .

MacArthur subsequently introduced Balkeli to the Medal of Honor . The Commander-in-Chief of the American Navy, Admiral Ernest King, did not allow MacArthur to present the medal to the Navy officer and drew up an award record for Balkely on behalf of the Navy ^[88] . Roosevelt presented the Balkeli medal at a ceremony in the Oval Office on August 4, 1942 ^[89] . Balkeli wrote a book about his exploits called They Were Expendable (They were indispensable). The novel was published in parts in Reader's Digest and Life magazines and in 1942 became a bestseller ^[90] . In 1944, the film of the same name was released on the plot of the book. Robert Mongomery played a role based on the identity of Balkeli, John Wayne played the role of Kelly and Donna Reed the role of an army nurse with whom Kelly had a brief connection ^[91] . Post-war analysis showed that most of the claims brought against the book were exaggerated ^[92] .

The headquarters seized by MacArthur from Corehidor formed the core of the general headquarters of the southwestern Pacific ^[93] . The Bataan Gang served with MacArthur for a long time and was noted for its fanatic allegiance to the General ^[94] . Balkeli also remained a loyal supporter of MacArthur and spoke of him as “the greatest general and statesman after George Washington, ” extolling the general’s decision to evacuate torpedo boats as a “brilliant move” ^[91] . MacArthur kept his promise and returned to the Philippines. The Bataan gang returned to Correchidore in March 1945 during a new campaign on four torpedo boats ^[95] .

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• Willoughby, Charles Andrew & Chamberlain, John (1954), MacArthur, 1941–1951 , New York: McGraw-Hill, OCLC 366467