Imperious, headstrong, and vain, MacArthur matched an undeniable military genius with a massive ego and a rebellious streak that often seemed to destine him for the dustbin of history. Yet despite his flaws, MacArthur is remembered as a brilliant commander whose combined-arms operation in the Pacific-- the first in the history of warfare-- secured America's triumph in World War II and changed the course of history. Perry examines how this paradox of a man overcame personal and professional challenges to lead his countrymen in their darkest hour.