Douglas MacArthur (January 26, 1880 - April 5, 1964) was an American general and one of the most influential military leaders in U.S. history. He served in World War I, commanded Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II, and accepted Japan's formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945. After the war, MacArthur oversaw the occupation and reconstruction of Japan, helping establish its democratic government. He later commanded United Nations forces during the Korean War and is remembered for his strategic leadership and lasting impact on military history.