Which U.S. military leader spoke the famous words "I shall return!"?

The phrase "I shall return!" is famously associated with General Douglas MacArthur. He made this declaration during World War II after being forced to evacuate the Philippines in 1942 due to the advancing Japanese forces. This statement symbolized his commitment to returning and liberating the Philippines, which he accomplished in 1944 during the campaign to recapture the islands. MacArthur's conviction and leadership became a rallying point for American forces and the Filipino people during a time of great struggle. His eventual return fulfilled not only his promise but also marked a significant turning point in the Pacific theater of the war. The clarity and resolve in MacArthur's words left a lasting legacy and became a defining moment in U.S. military history.