General Douglas MacArthur Quotes in MacArthur (1977)

[Responding to restrictive attack orders]

General Douglas MacArthur: In my all my fifty years of military service, I have never learned how to bomb HALF a bridge!

President Sergio Osmena: You see, General, my people are going to laugh if I fell in deep water. I cannot swim!

General Douglas MacArthur: That's not so bad, Mr. President. Everyone's about to see that I can't walk on water.

General Douglas MacArthur: [Upon receiving the Medal of Honor] My father received the Congressional Medal of Honor when he was 19... It took me just a little bit longer... Right now, I'd gladly swap it for one trained division.

General Douglas MacArthur: [to President Roosevelt during a meeting about the Philippines] I said I was going back, and I'm going to do it even if I have to row in a boat.

General Douglas MacArthur: I don't want the Communists in here. But Washington wants vengance on the emperor, because their voters do, and their voters have no fucking idea what's good for them.

General Douglas MacArthur: After careful consideration, I've decided that General Richter can go piss up a rope.

General Douglas MacArthur: Gentlemen, we will take no weapons with us when we step off this airplane. Nothing will impress them more than a show of absolute fearlessness. If they don't know they're licked by now, they will get the picture today. Now let's show them some good old-fashioned American swagger.

Emperor Hirohito: [Stands up, appeals directly to MacArthur in careful English] I come to you, General MacArthur, to offer myself as the one to bear sole responsibility. I wish that the punishment will fall on me, not on Japan.

General Douglas MacArthur: I appreciate that. Please be seated... This has nothing to do with punishment, Your Majesty. I need your help. So, let's see what we can do to get Japan back on its feet.

General Douglas MacArthur: We're a full day ahead here, Fellers. Today, here and now, is still yesterday in Washington.

General Douglas MacArthur: I've never met an Emperor before, much less a god. What the hell do you say to a god?

General Douglas MacArthur: [as Japanese troops successively turn their backs on the passing American military motorcade] Not your usual surrender formation.

General Bonner Fellers: They avert their gaze for their Emperor too, Sir. They are paying you the ultimate respect.

Shouwa-Tennou Hirohito: Our chances of victory in the war with the west were 50 out of 100. Germany's chances in this war were 100 out of 100.

General Douglas MacArthur: What are you talking about?

Shouwa-Tennou Hirohito: I'm talking about the alliance with Germany.

General Douglas MacArthur: Well, that is all in the past. There is only one unresolved issue left. That is the issue of your fate.