Born: September 13, 1860
Died: July 15, 1948 Place of Birth: Laclede, Missouri
Major Notes:
John Pershing was promoted to the highest rank ever held by a member of the United States Army.
His father was a local farmer and businessman who was often absent because his work involved traveling.
It was Pershing's mother who early on made him aware of the importance of education.
Pershing attended a special school for children of higher status people and worked at home on the farm.
After graduating from high school, in 1878 he became a teacher in a school for African American children and made his leadership presence known.
In 1882, Pershing wrote and passed an entrance exam to the United States Military Academy.
Although not an outstanding academic student at West Point, Pershing showed superior leadership skills and eventually received the rank of First Captain.
After graduation in 1886, he began active duty in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant.
Given command of the 6th Cavalry Regiment, Pershing took part in several successful campaigns against Indian tribes earning recognition as a commander.
From 1891-1894, John Pershing was an instructor at the University of Nebraska and took studies at the same time earning a law degree.
He was promoted to First Lieutenant and in command of the 10th Cavalry Regiment; an African American unit in Montana
Because he was a forceful commander who wanted strict discipline, he gained the nick name "Black Jack."
Over the next few years, Pershing distinguished himself through military work in Cuba, the Philippines, and Japan.
His efforts reached the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt who in 1906, over the objections of the military establishment, promoted Pershing to the rank of Brigadier General.
For the next ten years, his assignments were mostly in the United States and again in the Philippines.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson sent Pershing into Mexico to track Poncho Villa but he was called back because of World War I.
Pershing, now a Major General, was made commander of the American Expeditionary Force in France in 1917.
He found the Army was lacking in many respects and was required quickly to organize and train troops.
Critics contend that Pershing could have had taken input from the British and French but he was determined to personally make the US presence effective.
Although taking heavy losses at times, the American effort was significant in ending the war.
In 1919, Pershing was given the rank of General of the Armies, the highest ranking military officer in US history.
He continued in retirement to write books and offer military advice even into the US entry in World War II.
John Pershing received numerous awards and medals and is still held in high esteem in the memory of many soldiers.
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