MACARTHUR DOUGLAS: (1880-1964) American General who played a prominent role in the Pacific during World War II. An early D.S., Douglas MacArthur, one page, 4to, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 3rd June 1909. The typescript document is in the form of a memorandum issued by MacArthur in his capacity as First Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion of Engineers, Commanding Company "K", and states ´On June 1, 1st Class Private Homer Moore of this Company was drowned while swimming Merritt Lake. On that occasion the Company Commander was witness to the heroic efforts at rescue made by 2nd. Lieut. C. L. Sturdevant, Corporal R. P. Bliss, Privates Ray, Scott, Bradford and Dawson. He therefore desires to take this occasion to publicly commend these men for their action. This memorandum shall be read to the Company and posted on the bulletin board thereof´. With an administrative pencil note in another hand to the lower margin. Documents signed by MacArthur from this early stage of his career are scarce. Some light staining and minor age wear, about VG

In June 1909, First Lieutenant MacArthur was serving as the Adjutant and Quartermaster for the 3rd Battalion of Engineers at Fort Leavenworth. He had transitioned into this administrative role in April 1909, following a successful period as a company commander and instructor. During this time at Leavenworth, his duties were multifaceted and included managing the administrative affairs and personnel records for his battalion, as well as being responsible for the battalion’s logistics, including the procurement and distribution of supplies and equipment. This assignment was a professional turning point for MacArthur; after a lacklustre engineering stint in Milwaukee that had briefly stalled his career, his ´exceptionally meritorious´ performance at Fort Leavenworth put him back on the fast track for promotion to Captain.