Despite adequate and frequent warnings, MacArthur was not prepared to defend the Philppines on Dec. 8. Most commanders would have been sacked an never heard from again. And if that had happened, you would have pronounced the verdict of history. But it didn’t turn out that way.
He was lucky to get a second chance and made the most of it. He learned to fight the Japanese, and also had a knack for leading his men. His greatest contribution to the country he served may have been in his job as Viceroy to defeated Japan. He did much to turn an totalitarian enemy into a democratic ally. He won the war and the peace, something Americans don’t generally do well.
Kimmel and Short were sacked and heard from again.