Quote:
Originally Posted by Slipdigit
I have never understood why McArthur wasn't drummed out of town on a rail. Adm Kimmel and Gen Sharp both lost their commands and their reputations because of their actions at Pearl Harbor, whether deservered or not. McArthur escaped unscaved as did Gen Brereton and they had 8 hours notice of the attack at Pearl before daylight came to their part of the world and allowed for Japanese attacks there to begin. Both Far East Commanders were caught flatfooted, losing almost the the entire Philipines-based air force and valueable time. McArthur also had access to Magic, that neither of the commanders at Pearl did, so preparations for war should have already been underway, in some small ways as not to tip our hands that we had broken the codes.
An absolute disgrace.
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The reason that MacArthur was not dishonorably discharged or even faced a court martial was that he (and his family) had high political contacts in Washington and was protected, it came down to "it is not what you know but who you know" but ultimately MacArthur was fully responsable for the loss of the Philippines as he was supreme commander of US and Philippino forces.
And yes it was a disgrace, unfortunately the Americans have not learned from previous mistakes.