Ray asked Philip Keith:

On Pres Truman: Truman thought Gen MacArthur was dangerous & egotist. He also didn't tell the Gen about the Abomb until two days before it was dropped because he didn't trust him in that he might talk to the press. I don't get it, why would he later put in charge of the Amer occupation of Japan and later putting in charge in the Korean conflict? Wouldn't Truman know that there would a good chance for conflict?

Philip Keith I don't believe that Truman ever expected MacArthur to essentially disobey orders (in Korea). Egotist and a prima donna, yes, but outright disobedience, no. As far as MacArthur's performance in Japan, none of the other in-theater great leaders wanted the job: Not Nimitz, Halsey, Spruance, or any of the 4-star Army or Marine generals. MacArthur got it by default and surprised everyone with what a masterful job he did. It was his greatest achievement. That's how he got the Korea command, initially.

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