Re: MacArthur's War

[Marc James Small <msmall@infi.net>]

At 04:26 PM 6/1/02 EDT, Cfbernard@aol.com wrote:
Thank you for giving me the clue for searching old files.  My reaction to
Weintraub's work written in April 2000 is below.  I don't see any need to
update it to reflect what Afghanistan is teaching (we are learning ?) about
other sorts of war. 

My exposure to MacArthur began with reading of his exploits and statements
during WWII.  It was tempered a bit by the USMC's attempt to keep their own
place in the sun.  Typical: "With the help of God (and a few Marines)
MacArthur got back to the Philippines."  My clerk's job in the headquarters
of the 7th Marines in Hopei Province in North China stuck many things about
him in my mind.  Going to Japan in 1949 made him the big chief, hence in
the consciousness of all of us.  Korea was disconcerting to any soldier as
innocent as me. 

And this intellectual baggage is what I carried during all my military
service, particularly in Laos and Vietnam.  My positive reaction to
Weintraub's discussion of the first ten months of Korea owes much to
reflections that have never left me tranquil. 
------------------------

Alas, but the book is really neither good nor reliable.  It is full of
glaring historical errors and mis-interpretations and is a sad reflection
of the high quality of Weintraub's earlier work.  The general reaction
within the historical community has been to ignore the work as the product
of a previously solid scholar who has passed his use-by date.

Do NOT rely on this book!  There are a hundred other works with far greater
authority.

Marc

msmall@infi.net  FAX:  +276/343-7315
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