While not part of the original American plan, Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Southwest Pacific Area command, obtained authorization to advance through New Guinea and Morotai toward the Philippines.
Meski bukan bagian dari rencana awal Amerika, Douglas MacArthur, komandan Asia Pasifik Barat Daya, mendapat izin untuk merengsek maju melalui Nugini dan Morotai, menuju Filipina.