MacArthur recalled to active duty, returned to US

I've often wondered if there had been a different General in charge of the PI, how differently things would have turned out. Let us suppose that upon Federalization of the PI forces in July of 41, Mac is ordered home. Who gets the command, Wainwright, or someone else? How does this affect the upcoming campaign?
IMO the most logical choice is Wainwright, who will probably follow the original plan of retreating to the Bataan peninsula and holding there. Mac had convinced Washington that HIS plan, of a forward defense would deter (the presence of the B17's would convince the Japanese their ships were too vulnerable to risk to US counter- attack), but will Wainwright or another officer in charge stick to this plan? I doubt so. I don't believe another officer will have the unwarranted excess of faith that the PI's army can withstand an attack out of well prepared defensive positions. So, different plans.
I welcome the input and discussion from you folks.
 

nbcman

Donor
Another option is MG Grunert who was the CO of the Philippines Department before MacArthur was placed in command of US Army forces in July 1941. After returning to the US, Grunert never held another overseas command.
 
A lot depends on if the change in command leads to substantially more food stocked in Battan. The reasons for the shortage were several and not easily solved. Transportation, storage construction, Phillipino politics and their effects. With more food, and some construction of a defense line prewar the PI/US army could have held out in Battan mother month or two. Maybe three?
 
... After returning to the US, Grunert never held another overseas command.

Very few of Grunerts peers did. Kruger was one of the rare exceptions. Roosevelt had a idea the Army needed younger men in the demanding battlefield command positions and selected the relatively junior Marshal with the idea of clearing the old crocks out of the Army. 60+ General officers in the Army & National Guard in 1940. These men did great service in the early mobilization and training of the Army 1939-41. Those discharged often served on production boards, in industry, and the War Dept as civilians, lending their considerable experience and organizational skills. However when you trace their late carriers out you find many were encountering health issues 1942-45. They'd have been sidelined anyway for age related medical problems. Few men past age 60 can stand up to the 70-80 hour work weeks the typical US corps or Army commander worked during WWII
 
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