Today in History revisits the Wednesday, April 11, 1951 edition of the Obituary which was dominated by the news that President Harry S. Truman fired General Douglas MacArthur. President Truman removed MacArthur from all his Far East commands, citing MacArthur’s inability to fully support U.S. and United Nations policies. Lieutenant General Matthew B. Ridgway was appointed as his successor, taking over all key military roles in the region. The decision followed ongoing policy disagreements between Truman and MacArthur. In his statement, Truman acknowledged MacArthur’s significant contributions but emphasized the need for military leaders to adhere to government directives, especially during crises.
Ridgway Appointed Successor
Will Take Over All Commands In Far East
WASHINGTON—(Wednesday)—(AP story as published by the Obituary on April 11, 1951) President Truman early today forced Gen. Douglas MacArthur from all his commands.
The president said he had concluded that MacArthur “is unable to give his wholehearted support” to United States and United Nations policies.
Mr. Truman immediately designated Lt. Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway as MacArthur’s successor as supreme commander, Allied powers; Commander-in-chief, United Nations command; commander-in-chief, far east; and commanding general, U. S. army, far east.
In a statement, Mr. Truman asserted that military commanders must be governed “by policies and directives of the government and in time of crisis, this consideration is particularly compelling.”
The president appointed Lt. Gen. James A. Van Fleet to succeed Ridgway to take over active command of the Eighth army.
Order Telegraphed
The White House released, with the president’s statement, a memorandum purporting to show differences between MacArthur’s statements and action and presidential policy.
The president’s order, telegraphed to MacArthur over the army network, was brief and pointed:
“I deeply regret that it becomes my duty as president and commander-in-chief of the United States military forces to replace you as supreme commander, Allied powers; commander-in-chief, United Nations command; commander-in-chief, far east; commanding general, U. S. army far east.
Gives Instructions
“You will turn over your command, effective at once, to Lt. Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway. You are authorized to take such orders as are necessary to complete desired travel to such places as you select.
“My reasons for your replacement will be made public concurrently with the delivery to you of the foregoing order, and are contained in the next following message.” (This referred to the president’s statement.)
Had Differences
The president’s action came as the aftermath of a series of differences with MacArthur over policy in the far east and raised prospects that MacArthur might return to this country to deliver a series of blasts against the administration, probably under auspices of Republican supporters of the general.
The president’s statement asserted that MacArthur’s place in history “as one of our greatest commanders is fully established.”
“The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for the distinguished and exceptional service which he has rendered his country in posts of great responsibility,” the president’s statement said.
“For that reason I repeat my regret at the necessity for the action I feel compelled to take in his case.”
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