re: Who knew MacArthur was recalled from retirement to serve in WWII?

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Wasn't there a big conflict between Army and Navy regarding strategy in tbe Pacific? MacArthur wanted to fulfill his "I shall return" promise in the Philippines, while the Navy wanted to focus logistical support on the island hopping campaign. I've frequently read that the Luzon invasion was considered militarily unnecessary by Navy brass (and others), but MacArthur being MacArthur influenced politicians and the media.

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Yes. There weren't enough resources, landing craft and tankers in particular, to run two simultaneous campaigns. MacArthur and Halsey had to take turns going on the offensive. The Central Pacific was the direct route to Japan, but MacArthur had declared he would return to the Phillipines, and he had enough political clout to make sure it happened.