John Joseph Pershing was a highly decorated US Army general known for leading the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War I. He rose through the ranks quickly and was criticized for his brash leadership style, but still earned admiration and the rank of general. He continued to play an active role in military strategy and education until his death in 1948. He was nicknamed “Black Jack Pershing” due to his service with the Buffalo Soldiers.
John Joseph Pershing was a US Army general who is probably best known for his role in World War I as the leader of the Allied Expeditionary Force. Pershing’s long and colorful career was highly illustrious, with numerous national and international citations and medals awarded for his role in various military actions. Pershing is widely regarded as one of the most important generals in American history, and many of the well-known military figures of World War II looked to General Pershing for mentorship.
Pershing was born in 1860. Initially, he trained as a school teacher, but at the age of 22 he decided to train at West Point, quickly rising through the ranks even before entering the battlefield. By 1898 he had become a recognizable figure in the Spanish-American War and in 1901 was promoted to captain for his service. In 1906, John Joseph Pershing became a brigadier general and, at the outbreak of World War I, had an excellent opportunity to distinguish himself.
As a commander, General Pershing was highly energetic and had a strong independent streak, sometimes pulling the strings or going beyond his job duties to achieve his goals in any way he saw fit. While his leadership style ultimately helped him win World War I, he was also heavily criticized as a commander, with some people suggesting that he didn’t always make the wisest choices. At times, Pershing put soldiers in direct danger, despite the alternatives available.
Despite his brash and aggressive style of command, Pershing attracted admiration and in 1919 was awarded the rank of general in the United States Army. He was the only living American to have held such a high rank; while Washington was made a general in the army, the award was posthumously. Pershing did not rest on his laurels either, continuing to play an active role in military strategy and military education until his death in 1948.
In World War I, the media dubbed John Joseph Pershing “Black Jack Pershing,” in reference to his service with the Buffalo Soldiers, a primarily black military unit. The original version of this nickname was less polite, including a racial epithet rather than “black.” This nickname only increased the mythology of John Joseph Pershing, making him a household name even before his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, My Experiences in the World War, was published in 1932.
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