Did Generals Patton and MacArthur Ever Meet?

Throughout their respective careers in the US Army, it is almost certain that Generals George S. Patton and Douglas MacArthur met on multiple occasions. The periods of their careers overlap significantly, and the smaller size of the US military in the interwar years ensured numerous encounters. This article delves into their interactions, exploring the likelihood of their meetings and the contexts in which these meetings occurred.

Background and Early Careers

In the 1930s, General Douglas MacArthur commanded a vast army of around 200,000 troops, with approximately 19,000 officers. While not all officers were West Point graduates, the entire officer corps was relatively small, ensuring that many officers, including Patton, would inevitably cross paths. Although they were never assigned together, their paths crossed on multiple occasions, primarily due to their command positions and military functions.

A notable encounter between the two generals is described in a story about their meeting during the St. Mihiel Offensive in World War I (WWI). This massive battle involved 14 American divisions with over 550,000 troops, supported by 100,000 French soldiers. While the exact details of their meeting remain uncertain, it is plausible that their brief interactions did occur in such a high-stakes environment.

Interwar Period and Early World War I Meetings

During their pre-World War I service, both Patton and MacArthur may have served in the Mexican campaign. While specific details are vague, the intimate nature of their roles during these campaigns suggests they could have had frequent encounters. Additionally, there is a record of their meeting on the Western Front in 1918 during World War I. Patton, a captain at the time, wrote about meeting MacArthur, a lieutenant general, during a German artillery barrage. This encounter is just one of the several instances when their paths might have crossed due to their leadership roles in the military.

Interwar Period: Mutual Encounters in the US

During the interwar years, when the US military was smaller, the likelihood of encountering one another increased significantly. Both Patton and MacArthur were part of the small US Army officer corps, and they would have attended changes of command and other military functions together. As a sign of the close relationships within the military hierarchy, MacArthur once ordered Patton's unit to deploy during the Bonus Army incident on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 1932. This demonstrates the close working relationship they shared, albeit strained at times.

Promotions and Assignments

As their careers progressed, their paths continued to cross. When MacArthur was promoted to Commanding Officer (CO) of the US Army in the Philippines, a US-protectorate at the time, Patton was stationed in Hawaii. Although Patton was stationed far from MacArthur, the majority of military decisions for the Pacific theater still passed through Hawaii. This close proximity and the need for communication between commanders suggest that meetings and interactions were likely to have occurred as well.

Personal Interactions and Historical Impact

While the exact details of their personal interactions are scarce in official military records, historical accounts of their attributes suggest that these meetings had significant implications. According to Patton's account, their encounter during a German artillery barrage on the Western Front in 1918 is noteworthy. The two generals, known for their strong egos, are said to have encountered one another amid a chaotic battle. Had MacArthur not been under such stress or if he had demonstrated better leadership during his later years, particularly in the Philippines during 1941 and 1942, the outcome of the conflict could have been quite different.

MacArthur's leadership during World War II is also a subject of historical debate. His acceptance of the Medal of Honor is seen by some as unnecessary and controversial, while his successful operation at Inchon in 1950 is celebrated. However, some argue that he should have been court-martialed during World War II due to his failures and lack of responsibility.

On the other hand, Patton's bold leadership and constant attacks on the enemy are celebrated, but his relentless pursuit of a victory at all costs also has its critics. The interactions between these two military leaders reveal the complex dynamics of leadership and strategy in times of war.

In conclusion, the likelihood of Generals Patton and MacArthur meeting on multiple occasions during their careers is high. Their various encounters were shaped by the size and structure of the US Army, the overlapping nature of their roles, and the historical context of the two World Wars. These meetings, while often brief, had significant impacts on the outcomes of these wars and the legacies left behind by these two military titans.