Douglas MacArthur was born into an army family, the son of an army officer. During his childhood, his father was stationed at frontier forts in New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas. Indian raids were frequent, and marching, shooting, and riding were parts of everyday life.

From the very beginning, Douglas showed an ambition and ability to excel. At West Texas Military Academy, he won medals in both scholarship and sports. He passed the West Point entrance examinations fifteen points higher than his nearest competitor. When he graduated, he ranked first in his class.

Following the graduation from West Point, young MacArthur was commissioned a lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers and assigned to the Philippines. This assignment was very pleasing, because his father, General Arthur MacArthur had been stationed there following the Spanish-American War.

During the Russo-Japanese War, young MacArthur accompanied his father on an observation trip to Japan and the continent of Asia. Later he toured the Orient with his father, meeting kings, emperors, and other prominent people. On these trips he learned much about the people and customs of the Far East.

During World War I, MacArthur helped to organize the famous Rainbow Division and served as its chief of staff. He insisted on taking risks along with his men and won many medals for bravery on the battlefield. After the war he became superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

In 1930, MacArthur, now a general, was appointed chief of staff of the United States Army. Next for a period of years he served as military adviser to the Philippines. Then in 1941, at the beginning of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed him commander of armed forces in the Far East.

During the war MacArthur's activities were filled with heroic exploits, including his brilliant defense of Bataan and Corregidor, climaxed by his famous words, "I shall return." He kept his word by defeating the Japanese in continuous breathtaking expeditions extending all the way from Australia to Japan.

Next General MacArthur distinguished himself as Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers in Japan. Finally he led the United Nations forces in Korea where he saved South Korea from being captured by communists from North Korea. This and all other incidents are beautifully portrayed by the author, Laura Long, popular author of juvenile books.

From the dust jacket