4. MacArthur went to France during World War I
MacArthur was a Major, serving at the Secretary of War’s Bureau of Information, when the United States entered the First World War. He suggested the formation of a single unit from National Guard troops from multiple states be prepared for service in France, and secured for himself the commission of its Chief of Staff, with the rank of Colonel of Infantry. Known as the 42nd Rainbow Division, it trained at Camp Mills in New York before deploying to France in October 1917. The 42nd joined the front lines in the trenches the following February. It took part in several trench raids in support of French troops and on its own. MacArthur was injured during a gas attack in mid-March but recovered in a few days.
MacArthur’s flamboyance was marked among the men, even among the French officers for whom such behavior was almost a military necessity. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre (twice), the American Distinguished Service Cross, and was promoted to Brigadier General in late June. MacArthur also received the Legion of Honor from the French. He was awarded several Silver Stars (which was then not a medal, but an insignia to be worn on campaign ribbons). During the campaign, he was again nominated for the Medal of Honor and again did not receive the award. There is some evidence he wrote the recommendation himself for submission by another officer. The day before the war ended he was promoted to command the 42nd Division.