The Hero: Douglas Macarthur, A True War Hero

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Douglas MacArthur is a true war hero. He risked his life to defend both his and our country. Douglas MacArthur had many bad experiences in his past; his older brother, Malcolm had died of measles when Douglas was a young boy. He had a choice: don’t serve the country, you’ll live and stay out of harm’s way (for the most part) or serve the country and put your life on the line, you might die, but think of the positive: you might live! MacArthur chose to serve the country and was one of our many war heroes and I would like to acknowledge him for that. Douglas Francis MacArthur was born on January 26, 1880, at the Arkansas Barracks in Little Rock, Arkansas. His parents were Arthur MacArthur Jr. and Mary Pinkney Hardy MacArthur. His mother was often called by her nickname “Pinky”. Since her brothers both fought for the South in the Civil War, they refused to attend her wedding, which made her upset. Douglas was raised in a military family in the American Old West. He had two brothers: Arthur III and Malcolm. Even after Malcolm died of the measles in 1883, when Douglas was just 3 years old, the family succeeded to maintain a healthy relationship even though things wouldn’t be the same without Malcolm. Douglas’ education included Force Public School, West Texas Military Academy, and West Point. In high school, Douglas played on the tennis team, was the quarterback on the football team, and was the shortstop on the baseball team. While MacArthur was attended West Texas Military Academy, he earned the gold medal for “scholarship and deportment”. He was named valedictorian, with a final year average of 97.33 out of 100 and graduated in 1903. Clearly, he was an extremely intelligent man. Douglas MacArthur was in many battles; in those bat... ... middle of paper ... ...n for MacArthur’s 80th birthday, many of his friends were frightened by the general’s deteriorating health. The next day, he collapsed and was rushed into surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital to control a severely swollen prostate. His health was one serious predicament. Because of Biliary Cirrhoisis disease, on April 5th, 1964, in the Walter Reed Army Hospital, he passed away. Biliary Cirrhosis a type due to chronic bile retention after obstruction or infection of the major extra- or intrahepatic bile ducts or of unknown etiology, and sometimes occurring after administration of certain drugs. Douglas MacArthur became a five-star general, which is very rare. Even though Douglas went through some hardships, he always trusted that the Lord would provide for him. He was a great general, family member, and friend to others and will undoubtedly live in their hearts forever.

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