re: Gen. Douglas MacArthur "dug out dug"

The Marines were used in a shock troop role during WWII, and that was appropriate for the missions they were assigned. The goal of amphibious invasions was to secure land bases for airfields and naval facilities. Seizing the islands quickly was imperative. Transferring men and material from ships to beachheads was not as efficient as unloading at port facilities. The Marines had to clear not only the beaches, but also the terrain from which the ports and airfields could be attacked.

The capital ships were high value targets, but the most valuable ships were the transport ships bringing the soldiers, sailors and airmen who would turn the captured islands into operational bases from which to project power forward towards Japan. And those transport ships were not as heavily armored, fast or maneuverable as warships.

The Marines are awesome. They are not awesomer than the Army.