IIRC MacArthur was defying his commander in chief and was basically going behind his back to the press.

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IIRC MacArthur was defying his commander in chief and was basically going behind his back to the press.

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BC--so if you were the President, would you have done the same thing to MacArthur?
DJ

BC---I believe what I would have done is appoint a tactical commander for Korea at the 4 star level, taken that Theater away from him, and then send an emissary to him to tell him to pack and retire or the President will fire you. I would not have gone through the trauma that resulted by his abrupt relief. Truman did not even consult with the Congress. Real bad move, they came back and slam dunked him with an investigation.
DJ

BC---I believe what I would have done is appoint a tactical commander for Korea at the 4 star level, taken that Theater away from him, and then send an emissary to him to tell him to pack and retire or the President will fire you. I would not have gone through the trauma that resulted by his abrupt relief. Truman did not even consult with the Congress. Real bad move, they came back and slam dunked him with an investigation.
DJ

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BC---I believe what I would have done is appoint a tactical commander for Korea at the 4 star level, taken that Theater away from him, and then send an emissary to him to tell him to pack and retire or the President will fire you. I would not have gone through the trauma that resulted by his abrupt relief. Truman did not even consult with the Congress. Real bad move, they came back and slam dunked him with an investigation.
DJ

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Good points DJ. On the other hand, MacArthur had in effect set himself up as the defacto emporer of Japan. His actions and words were often at odds with that of his Commander in Chief. Truman had two choices, roll-over and take it or fire him. If nothing else, Trumans decision certainly reenforced the concept of civilian control of our military.
v/r,
Cob

COB--I would put forth a very weak case in defense of MacArthur. I would not waste your time. Rather, I argue against the manner in which it was done rather than the action. Ain't no one above the law!
DJ

One of the most important reasons I've noticed hasnt been posted about MacArthur being fired was the fact that he was wanting to take the war all the way into China because he knew the North Koreans were getting military support from those slant-eyed commie bastards.

But keeping up with the recent discussions of what would you have done,yes I think Truman was right in the fact that MacArthur was defying the Commander-in-Chief.Also,I didnt know Mac was going to the press behind Truman's back?

I think, because Truman had not really tried to discipline MacArthur earlier in the war, the public relief was all he could do. If he had sent an emmissary I believe MacArthur would have stepped up the politicing at home and embarassed the US on the world stage and given tehe communists a major propaganda coup. MacArthru had been so blatant that he deserved what he received. I would have to back Truman, but must also fault him for letting the problem build as it did.