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Creation of this command led to the subordination of the Philippine Department's headquarters, as a service command, since planning and tactical control were now under USAFFE control. MacArthur explains, "It became an administrative echelon. It was analogous to a corps areaCorps Area is a term used, by the US Army, as a replacement for Department, the name given to pre- World War I military commands. However, the Hawaiian, Panama Canal, and Philippine Departments retained the old names. See also: military science Military H." MacArthur recommended that Philippine Department commander Major General GrunertGeorge Grunert ( 1881 1971) was a Lieutenant General in the United States Army. He was promoted in 1943 and took command of the Eastern Defence Command, New York. Prior to this command, he was the Major General in command of the Philippine Department. be reassigned, as his services were no longer needed. On October 23October 23 is the 296th day of the year (297th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 69 days remaining. Events 4004 BC The universe was created, according to the Ussher-Lightfoot Calendar. 42 BC Roman Republican civil wars: Second Battle of Phili, Grunert returned to the United StatesThe United States of America also referred to as the United States U. America ¹ or the States is a federal republic in central North America, stretching from the Atlantic in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It shares land borders with Canada in and MacArthur was temporarily appointed as the Philippine Department's commander.
In January of 1941, the intelligence officer ( G-2 ) of the Philippine Department had recommended, to his superior in Washington D.C., that a Far Eastern Command be created, with the commander of the Philippine Department as the designated commander of said command. It does not appear this idea was seriously considered until MacArthur suggested, to the Army Chief of StaffThe Chief of Staff of the United States Army CSA is the professional head of the United States Army who is responsible for insuring readiness of the Army. As with the other other service Chiefs of Staff, he has no operational command authority. He is a me, that such a command be created with MacArthur as the Far Eastern Commander.
On June 6June 6 is the 157th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (158th in leap years), with 208 days remaining. Events 1513 Italian Wars: Battle of Novara Swiss troops defeat the French under Louis de la Tremoille, forcing the French to abandon Milan. Duke, Acting Chief of the War Plans Division Brigadier General Gerow noted that he saw no need for such a command, as US Forces in the Far East were concentrated in the Philippines. As such, Gerow argued that should a "crisis" occur, then MacArthur should become the commander of, not some new command, but rather, of the Philippine Department itself.
On June 20, Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall informed MacArthur, "Both the Secretary of War ( Stimson) and I are much concerned about the situation in the Far East. Your qualifications and experience make you the logical selection for the Army Commander in the Far East should the situation approach a crisis. The Secretary has delayed recommending your appointment as he does not feeel the time has arrived for such action. At the proper time, he will recommend to the President that you be so appointed."
On July 17, Gerow made the following recommendations:
On July 25, Secretary of War Stimson requested that President Roosevelt issue orders calling the military forces of the Commonwealth into active service for the United States. Stimson explains, "All practical steps should be taken to increase the defensive strength of the Philippine Islands."
The following day, President Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets within the United States and issued the orders to absorb the forces of the Philippine Army. That same day, the War Department created the USAFFE command, with jurisdiction over the Philippine Department and the military forces of the Commonwealth. At the same time, MacArthur was recalled to active duty as the USAFFE commander, from his position as military advisor to, and Field Marshall of, the Philippine Army.