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Douglas MacArthur - (1880-1964) The son of Civil War hero Lt. General Arthur MacArthur, Douglas MacArthur was a brilliant, controversial, aloof, egotistical, imperious, courageous, highly intelligent five-star U.S. Army General. This item is a World War II-dated TLS from General Douglas MacArthur, one page, 8 x 10.5, General Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area letterhead, February 14, 1945. A letter of condolence sent to bereaved wife Eva B. Gaffield of St. Louis, Missouri, in full: “I cannot express to you the poignancy of my regret at the death of your husband, Private First Class William T. Gaffield. His service under me was characterized by his complete devotion to our beloved country and his noble death integrates him with its imperishable glory. I have lost a gallant comrade-in-arms and with you mourn a splendid gentleman.” Gaffield was killed on December 24, 1944 in the Battle of Leyte in the Phillipines. The letter has the usual mailing folds and some age wear.