Telegram from General Omar Bradley to General Douglas MacArthur

In June 1950, after North Korea invaded South Korea, General Douglas MacArthur was designated commander of the United Nations forces defending South Korea. He conceived and executed a brilliant and daring amphibious assault at Inchon for which he was hailed as a hero. Seven months later, President Truman fired him for making public statements that contradicted the official policies of the United States Government. In a statement explaining this action, President Truman said, “It is fundamental . . . that military commanders must be governed by the policies and directives issued to them in the manner prescribed by our laws and Constitution. In time of crises this consideration is particularly compelling.”