Some consider five star General Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964), who commanded the Allies in the Pacific Region in World War II, America's greatest leader. He was certainly one of the most compelling men of the 20th century.

"There is no security on this earth," he once said. "Only opportunity."

Born on this day in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a father who was a hero in the Civil and Spanish-American Wars, MacArthur entered West Point and graduated first in his class.  He built a reputation as a brave soldier who served as Army chief of staff in World War I and commanded Allied forces in World War II.

As he retreated from the Philippines, MacArthur uttered the famous words, "I shall return." He did, triumphantly, and coordinated the postwar occupation of Japan.

The MacArthur Controversy occurred when the popular general, as Commander of the UN military forces in the Korean War, disagreed with President Harry Truman's wish for a cease-fire at Korea's 38th parallel.

MacArthur wanted a full-blown attack of China and issued public statements about his wishes, calling Truman's policy "misguided." In response, Truman removed him from command in April 1951, citing insubordination.

Eight days after his firing, MacArthur told Congress, "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away... I now close my military career and just fade away—an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty. Good-bye."

People always remember the rules you break.