“I Shall Return” is an episode of The Greatest Drama that tells the story of General Douglas MacArthur, from his days at West Point until his forced retirement. The episode opens with scenes from a ticker-tape parade (00:09), most likely MacArthur’s celebrated return to San Francisco. MacArthur wades to shore in his return to the Philippines during WWII (00:36), joined by Philippine President Sergio Osmena. MacArthur speaks about closing out his military career before a joint session of Congress (00:40) after President Truman relieved him of command of the Korean War. MacArthur’s storied career begins at West Point (01:04)—the episode shows footage of the campus, classrooms, and a graduation ceremony. MacArthur helps found the 42nd “Rainbow” Division that goes to Europe during WWI; MacArthur marches (01:24) in France; soldiers fight in the Battle of Chateau-Thierry. General John J. Pershing presents the Distinguished Service Cross to MacArthur (01:36), Colonel George E. Leach, and Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph Donovan. MacArthur also receives a medal from the French. After the war, MacArthur is Superintendent of West Point; he speaks to a West Point graduating class (02:10). MacArthur meets with other generals/leaders (02:58), before leaving for the Philippines, where President Manuel Quezon (03:08) asks MacArthur to organize the Philippine Army. In Manila, MacArthur marries Jean Marie Faircloth (03:29). Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor (03:45) then Manila; the Philippine capital is in flames (04:18). MacArthur leaves Manila—vowing to return—for Australia (04:45) by PT boat and an armed B-17. MacArthur oversees Australian troops gathering on a beach (05:05). MacArthur leads an attack in New Guinea (05:20), where tanks and artillery fire on Japanese positions. U.S. battleships attack Japanese forces (05:36). U.S. troops invade the Admiralty Islands (06:00), then Hollandia (06:16), where patrols use flame throwers to flush out Japanese soldiers. MacArthur leads Allied forces in retaking Philippines’ Leyte island (06:25). Footage shows a destroyed city, followed by fighting in Manila (06:47) as U.S. troops fire large-caliber guns. U.S. soldiers raise the American flag (06:58) in Manila; MacArthur surveys a beach (07:04), then speaks to an audience in Manila (07:15) on the quality of the U.S. military. Filipinos take to the streets to celebrate Japan’s surrender (07:27). On the Battleship Missouri (07:39) on 2 September 1945, MacArthur accepts Japanese capitulations. A 5-star general, MacArthur is named Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and oversees efforts to rebuild Tokyo (08:10) and the rest of war-torn Japan. Upon his return home, MacArthur attempts to run for office in Wisconsin (08:27) but fails to get the backing of convention delegates. MacArthur (08:38) then goes to South Korea following the invasion by North Korea. Footage shows tanks driving and artillery guns firing. MacArthur orchestrates the landing at Inchon: troops and tanks arrive at Inchon’s shore in an impressive display of military might. An aerial view of the Yellow River (09:06) is followed by footage of harsh winter conditions that make life difficult for MacArthur’s troops. President Harry Truman addresses Americans from the White House (09:32), explaining his firing of MacArthur. The MacArthur family leaves Asia for home (10:08). Large crowds in San Francisco (10:30) cheer MacArthur’s arrival. He then makes his way to Washington, D.C., where he addresses a joint session of Congress (10:58). The episode closes with additional parade footage (12:00).

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

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