Hello, and thank you for listening to the history of World War II podcast.

Episode 320, MacArthur's Great Escape Part 1.

As far back as January 10, MacArthur believed, rather he interpreted a message from General

Marshall that significant help was on the way, and this is what he told his subcommanders

on Paton during his one visit there during the war.

Further, the General had stopped at several field hospitals to tell the men the same thing

as well.

Help was definitely on the way.

We must hold out until it arrives.

When MacArthur left returning to Corregidor 10 miles away, a room started going around

that can be summed up with the ditty, crafty Mac, he'll never be back.

Now any good leader will tell you there's a fine line between saying something to inspire

the troops and making promises you can't keep, or in this case you can't control.

Upon his return MacArthur raised the stakes by telling President Kazon that the morale

of the troops was high and that he felt confident that he, really the men, could hold Paton

and Corregidor for several months without outside help.

Again, controlling expectations is key to leadership.

But as Kazon was suffering really dying from tuberculosis, maybe the General wanted

the Filipino leader to have something to smile about.

Either way, it was reckless.

As for the help, well the days went by which turned into weeks and the food was growing

more scarce and worse in quality.

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