General Douglas MacArthur vows, “I shall return,” February 21st, 1942
Following the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese destroyed the American air base, then the navy yard, in the Philippines, effectively gaining control of the western Pacific. Forces under the command of Douglas MacArthur retreated to the Bataan Peninsula, many taking refuge on an island known as Corregidor. The Japanese seemed unbeatable; President Roosevelt had to rescue MacArthur. Upon reaching Australia, MacArthur declares, “I came through and I shall return.”