The Philippine Islands were both safe haven and public arena for Douglas MacArthur, and he returned there again and again at key points in his life, through the twin offices of fate and personal predilection. The complex relationship that developed between the man and the country is the focus of Carol Petillo's intriguing study. Petillo begins with a thorough examination of MacArthur's childhood and interprets the important role that both parents played in their son's development. The period leading up to MacArthur's first tour of duty in the Pacific is succinctly summarized before Petillo delves into the Philippine years themselves. New evidence emerges from her scrupulous research, including confirmation that MacArthur received a secret half-million dollars from the Philippine government as American forces fled to Corregidor. MacArthur's promise to return to the occupied islands reached the level of obsession when he was appointed Commanding General of the Southwest Pacific Area. Even though the Joint Chiefs of Staff believed Formosa to be the more strategically important base, the decision was made to invade the Philippines in 1944-a decision MacArthur achieved through sheer force of his personality.

Includes index.

The early years -- The first MacArthur in the Philippines -- First Assignments -- The Middle Years -- The last years before the war -- The return -- Epilogue