General Douglas MacArthur
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General Douglas MacArthur was a prominent American military leader known for his role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Born on January 26, 1880, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and quickly rose through ranks. He served as the Chief of Staff and later as Division Commander of the 42nd Rainbow Division. During this time, he won two Distinguished Service Crosses and six Silver Stars. MacArthur may be best remembered for his bold strategies including the island-hopping campaign, and his famous promise, "I shall return," during the Philippines campaign. After the war he oversaw the post-war occupation of Japan, significantly influencing its recovery and modernization. His bold execution of the Incheon assault was the catalyst for the breakout from Pusan and the destruction of the North Korean Army. It is recognized as the turning point in the Korean war.
About The Foundation
Our Mission
To commemorate the life and achievements of General Douglas MacArthur, particularly as they relate to his credo "DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY" and its relevance to future generations of Americans.
- To support the conservation of the General Douglas MacArthur papers and artifacts.
- To support programming at the MacArthur Memorial.
Our Vision
MacArthur's Vision for the MacArthur Memorial
- FREE to Everyone.
- Open to Everyone.
- A Place for Open Discussion.
Foundation Five Star Goals to Support the MacArthur Memorial
Curation
Restoration
Preservation
Presentation
Education
Why Norfolk, VA?
In 1962, General Douglas MacArthur executed a deed of gift in which he gave the City of Norfolk his personal papers and the artifacts of his life. The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation was established in 1962 to commemorate his remarkable life and legacy and to provide supplemental support for the MacArthur Memorial, a museum he established with the City of Norfolk to house and display his collection.
Since then, in line with his hopes that the museum would also preserve and share the stories of men and women who served with him, the collection has grown to include artifacts and archival collections that tell these incredible stories.
The City of Norfolk owns the collection and staffs and operates the MacArthur Memorial. The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation supports the MacArthur Memorial's stewardship of the collection and provides funding for conservation, exhibits, and educational programming, in addition to encouraging scholarship and providing leadership awards.
For over 60 years, the stability of this relationship between the City of Norfolk and the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation has ensured the evolution of the MacArthur Memorial into an internationally recognized museum, research, and education center - comparable to a presidential library.
This unique partnership in the heart of downtown Norfolk, is committed to preserving and presenting the story of General MacArthur and the stories of the millions of men and women who served with him. To date, with the support of the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial has welcomed nearly 5.5 million visitors and annually provides 120,000+ patrons with free programming.
Meet our Executive Director Major General Joseph Reynes
Joseph Reynes, Major General, USAF (Ret), Executive Director, General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. Currently serves as the Executive Director of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation and as a Member of Advisors to Epirus in addition to being a Regional Director for the National Association of Certified Directors. After 35 years of active-duty service, Maj Gen (ret.) Joseph Reynes, Jr. served as Vice President of Staff Operations at USAA for four years, delivering a complete upgrade of all computer systems and inventory update. Prior to that, he led U.S. efforts for SOSI to restore Balad SE Air Base and deliver the first Iraqi F-16s. Maj Gen Reynes served as the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Headquarters Allied Joint Forces Command Brunssum, Netherlands as his final active duty service. General Reynes entered the Air Force in 1978 after graduating from the USAF Academy. He graduated from undergraduate pilot training in 1979 and the USAF Fighter Weapons School in 1984 and has more than 3800 flight hours in fighter aircraft. His commands include the 35th Fighter Squadron at Kansan Air Base, South Korea; 53rd Test and Evaluation Group at Nellis AFB Nevada; 53rd Wing at Elgin AFB, Florida; 51st Fighter Wing Oscan AB South Korea and Detachment 2 9th Expeditionary Task Force Iraq. General Reynes has also held several positions at the Pentagon, including F-16 program element monitor and military assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Department of Defense. The General was later appointed by Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen as the Executive Secretary of the Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense. In addition, he has served as Air Combat Command’s Deputy Director for Requirements and Inspector General. He was also selected to serve as the CENTCOM Commander’s Executive Officer for General Franks and General Abizaid. Later, he served in Iraq as the ACCE Director, Director of Strategic Engagement and Senior Air Commander Iraq. Prior to his final assignment, General Reynes served as the Joint Forces Command J-7 Director for Joint Experimentation and simulation analysis under Gen Odierno.
Get to Know Us
Meet The Team
Joseph Reynes
Maj Gen(Ret)
Executive Director
Barbara Rossen
Executive Assistant
Our Board of Directors
Julia Ranspach
Marketing Specialist
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David O. Anderson, RADM, USN (Retired)
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Tony Atwater, PhD
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Gary D. Bonnewell
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Nancy Deal Chandler
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William J. Davis, COL, USMC (Retired)
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Ted Dey
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Richard G. Diamonstein
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Thomas R. Dickson
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Tim Faulkner
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Robert E. Garris, Jr.
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Henry U. Harris, III
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Patrick W. Herman
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Kevin Y. Kearney
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Frederick W. Kirschbaum
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Timothy J. Lockhart
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Roy B. Martin, III
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Mike McClellen
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Joseph T. McFadden. Jr.
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Andrew S. McKinley, RADM, USCG (Retired)
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Jennifer F. Minks, COL, USAF (Retired)
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Juan M. Montero, MD
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Keith C. Naumann, CPT, USN (Retired)
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Rodrigo L. C. Romulo, MD
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Martin A. Thomas, Jr.
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Byron E. Tobin, Jr., RADM, USN (Retired)
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Peter T. Underwood, COL, USMC (Retired)
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James Wofford
Honorary Directors
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Wesley Clark, GEN, USA (Retired)
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William M. Gershen
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Michel Maisonneuve, LTG, Canadian Forces (Retired)
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Robert Nardelli
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Rebecca Beach Smith
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Robert M. Stephenson
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William G. Whitehurst
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Barclay Winn
Directors Emeritus
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David R. Goode
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Hank Hendrickson
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Mary Louis Lehew
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Richard D. Roberts
In The News
In September 2025 our Executive Director was invited to speak and participate in the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Incheon Landing. As many understand the Incheon Landing was a bold and decisive turning point in the Korean war. The Foundation and the city of Incheon signed a MOU to further share and participate in the commutations in the future. We look forward to working with the city of Incheon in the future!
Note: The articles below were translated from Korean to English using Upstage Solar AI and highlight the recent visit to Incheon. Please be aware that some names may be misspelled due to translation inaccuracies.
Photos from Incheon Visit
On September 2, 2025 staff retold the story for the 80th anniversary of the remembrance and reflection of World War II of the surrender of Japan.
Commerorative Award Programs
One of the goals of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation is to provide provision of awards annually to several commemorative programs. Provision of awards are given to the most outstanding junior officers selected by the U. S. Army, to the outstanding cadets at military schools and colleges, for the best essays on leadership at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, for the best papers on joint operations at the Joint Forces Staff College, to the best ROTC battalions as selected by the U.S. Army and scholarships to the outstanding third year cadet at Old Dominion University and at Norfolk State University.
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Awards given annually to the most outstanding junior officers selected by the U.S. Army.
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Awards to the outstanding cadet at military schools and colleges throughout the U.S.
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Awards given to outstanding ROTC third years cadets from local colleges, Hampton University, Norfolk State University, and Old Dominion University.
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Awards for the top ROTC battalions as selected by the U.S. Army.
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Awards for writing essays to top selected papers from the Joint Forces Staff College.
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Awards for best essays on leadership for the Army Command General Staff College.
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Awards to top three winners of essays Virginia Secondary Schools for Virginia History Day.
Coveted Awards are Presented Annually for Leadership and Excellence.
Get Involved
Consider joining the MacArthur Committee and contributing to the preservation and promotion of General Douglas MacArthur’s enduring legacy. Members of the Committee provide guidance on key initiatives, foster community engagement, and help ensure that General MacArthur’s principles of duty, honor, and country continue to inspire present and future generations.
Click below for more information about the MacArthur Committee Membership
Alternatively, you may support the mission through a charitable contribution. Donations to the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation directly fund the preservation and exhibition of the MacArthur Memorial’s historic collections, essential building renovations to safeguard these materials, educational programs that cultivate leadership and historical understanding, and awards that recognize individuals exemplifying General MacArthur’s values.
Whether through Committee membership, a donation, or both, your support ensures that General MacArthur’s legacy continues to educate, inspire, and honor for generations to come.