John J. “Black Jack” Pershing (1860-1948) stands as a towering figure in American military history. His career spanned pivotal moments in the nation’s development, from the Indian Wars to World War I. Pershing’s exceptional leadership, organizational prowess, and unwavering commitment to duty defined his service, leading to remarkable achievements across diverse and challenging conflicts. This exploration delves into the life and legacy of Gen John Pershing, highlighting the key events and qualities that cemented his place as a military icon.
The Formative Years of John J. Pershing
Gen John Pershing’s journey began on September 13, 1860, in Laclede, Missouri. Born to a pro-Union father who ran a general store, Pershing’s early life was shaped by the aftermath of the Civil War. While the family weathered the war itself, the economic depression of 1873 brought financial hardship. As a young man, John contributed to the family farm and, at the age of seventeen, began teaching at a local school for African American children.
Driven to further his education, Pershing enrolled in the State Normal School in Kirksville, Missouri, in 1879, ultimately earning a degree in Scientific Didactics. Initially aspiring to a career in law, fate intervened when he took the competitive entrance exam for the United States Military Academy. Although military service wasn’t his initial ambition, the allure of a top-tier education proved irresistible. Pershing entered West Point in 1882, marking a turning point in his life.
At West Point, Cadet Pershing, while maintaining average grades, distinguished himself as a natural leader, owing to his maturity and life experience. Upon graduating in 1886, the newly commissioned officer was assigned to the Sixth Cavalry Regiment, stationed on the Great Plains. Here, Lieutenant Pershing immersed himself in the Indian Wars, participating in campaigns across New Mexico, Nebraska, and South Dakota. His performance in these demanding conflicts quickly earned him recognition as a resilient and highly capable officer.
In 1891, Lieutenant Pershing transitioned to academia, accepting a professorship at the University of Nebraska as Professor of Military Science and Tactics. Over four years, he revitalized the university’s military department, transforming it into a more effective and respected program.
Pershing’s next posting brought him to Montana, where he assumed a leadership role with the Buffalo Soldiers of the Tenth Cavalry. It was during this period that Pershing acquired the enduring nickname “Black Jack,” a moniker that would follow him throughout his illustrious career.
Returning to West Point as an instructor, Pershing’s trajectory shifted once more with the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898. Lieutenant Pershing rejoined the Tenth Cavalry, and the unit was deployed to Cuba. He led his troops in the famed assault on San Juan Hill. Despite suffering significant casualties, the soldiers of the 10th Cavalry, alongside Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders,” demonstrated exceptional bravery and valor. For his heroism under fire, Pershing was awarded the Silver Star, further solidifying his reputation as a courageous and effective leader.
Following the Spanish-American War, Pershing served in Washington D.C. as Chief of Customs and Insular Affairs for Cuba and Puerto Rico, demonstrating his versatility beyond the battlefield.
His career then took him to the Philippines, where he was assigned to the Eighth Corps and later the Fifteenth Cavalry. His mission was to pacify uprisings among the indigenous Muslim Moro population. During this assignment, Pershing immersed himself in Moro culture, studying their dialects, reading the Koran, and cultivating relationships with Moro leaders. His success in engaging with the Moros and fostering peaceful relations led to his permanent promotion to captain in 1901.
Pershing’s leadership was further highlighted during the campaign at Lake Lanao. He skillfully led troops through challenging jungle terrain to a remote location to disarm the Maciu Moros, a significant achievement that resonated back in the United States. Upon his return in 1903, Pershing was celebrated as a national hero. President Theodore Roosevelt publicly acknowledged Pershing’s merit in an address to Congress, advocating for promotions based on ability, a testament to Pershing’s rising star.
General Pershing’s early military career involved service with the Buffalo Soldiers and campaigns in the Philippines, shaping his leadership style and strategic thinking.
*Note: Historical accounts suggest a possible discrepancy in Gen John Pershing’s birthdate. Some sources propose his actual birthdate was January 13, 1860, and that he may have adjusted it to September 13 to meet the age requirement for West Point admission, which had a cutoff age of 22.
Triumph and Tragedy in Gen John Pershing’s Life
Gen John Pershing’s personal life intertwined with his professional achievements, marked by both great joy and profound sorrow. During his assignment in Washington, Captain Pershing’s path crossed with Helen Frances Warren, a Wellesley College graduate and daughter of Senator Francis E. Warren of Wyoming.
Despite a twenty-year age difference, Pershing captivated Miss Warren. Her diary entry describing a social event reveals her deep affection: “Danced every dance but one, and have lost my heart to Captain Pershing irretrievably.”
Their courtship, characterized by traditional romance and heartfelt letters, culminated in marriage. President Theodore Roosevelt himself attended their wedding, a testament to Pershing’s growing prominence. Just days later, Pershing departed for Tokyo, Japan, to serve as a military attaché and observe the Russo-Japanese War, showcasing his continued rise in military circles.
Captain Pershing’s exceptional abilities continued to be recognized. In 1906, he received a remarkable promotion to Brigadier General, an extraordinary leap that bypassed 862 senior officers, underscoring his exceptional talent and potential.
After his stint in Japan, Brigadier General Pershing returned to the Philippines, commanding Fort McKinley. He once again engaged with the Moro community, assisting in the development of their constitution and local government structures, demonstrating his commitment to nation-building alongside military duties. In 1913, Pershing led troops in a successful campaign against outlaw Moros in the Mount Bagsak region, earning him the Distinguished Service Medal, further adding to his accolades.
On January 13, 1914, General Pershing assumed command of the 8th Infantry Brigade at the Presidio of San Francisco, a seemingly routine assignment that would soon be overshadowed by events. Escalating tensions on the Mexican border necessitated the 8th Infantry’s relocation to Fort Bliss, Texas, placing Pershing closer to the unfolding crisis.
While Gen John Pershing was stationed away, his wife, Frances, and their four children remained at their Victorian home at the Presidio. Tragedy struck on August 27, 1915. Hot coals spilled from the fireplace hearth, igniting the highly waxed wooden floor. The house was rapidly engulfed in flames. Frances and her three daughters, aged eight, seven, and three, perished in the devastating fire. Only five-year-old Warren survived, heroically rescued by Pershing’s long-serving orderly. Returning to the charred remains, a grief-stricken Pershing could only utter, “They had no chance.”
Following the funeral, Gen John Pershing returned to Texas, channeling his immense grief into his work. This period coincided with escalating unrest along the Mexican border, fueled by raids led by Francisco “Pancho” Villa. In March 1916, Villa’s cavalry launched a raid on Columbus, New Mexico, resulting in the deaths of both soldiers and civilians, prompting decisive action from the U.S. government. President Woodrow Wilson ordered the Army to pursue Villa into Mexico. General Pershing was tasked with organizing and leading this punitive expedition, assembling 10,000 troops, including his former 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers.
Pershing spearheaded several expeditions deep into Mexican territory. Although Villa was never captured, Pershing’s efforts and subsequent negotiations with Mexican President Venustiano Carranza led to an agreement aimed at preventing further incursions into the United States by outlaws like Villa, addressing the immediate security concerns.
Gen John Pershing’s Pivotal Role in World War I
The United States’ entry into World War I in 1917 marked a new chapter in Gen John Pershing’s career, and in global history. Pershing was appointed Commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), a monumental responsibility given the nation’s limited military preparedness for a large-scale European conflict.
The U.S. Army faced significant challenges: inadequate supplies, a nascent air force, and ongoing recruitment and organizational hurdles. Diplomatically, Pershing faced pressure from France and Britain, who expected American forces to integrate into their command structures. However, Pershing resolutely insisted on maintaining an independent American force, arguing for separate training camps and command by American officers, a crucial decision that shaped the American military’s role in the war.
In June 1918, Germany launched a major offensive aimed at capturing critical bridgeheads across the Marne River in France. Throughout June, the American Expeditionary Force engaged in fierce defensive and counteroffensive operations against the German advance in the brutal Battle of Belleau Wood. The tenacity and bravery of American troops in this battle marked a turning point and demonstrated their fighting capabilities on the world stage.
In mid-July, the American Expeditionary Force faced another major test at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry. Victories in both Belleau Wood and Chateau-Thierry halted the last major German offensive of the war, signaling a shift in momentum towards the Allied forces.
In September 1918, Gen John Pershing orchestrated a successful offensive against the German lines in the Saint-Mihiel salient, leading combined American and French forces. This victory underscored the competence and effectiveness of American troops and paved the way for the final major offensive of the war, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a massive and arduous Allied advance, continued until November 11, 1918, when the armistice was finally declared, bringing an end to the devastating global conflict.
Gen John Pershing’s leadership of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I was critical to the Allied victory, solidifying his legacy as a military strategist and commander.
Gen John Pershing returned to the United States in 1919, greeted as a national hero. He was bestowed the newly created rank of General of the Armies, the highest rank in the American military, a recognition of his unparalleled service. He served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army until his retirement, continuing to shape the military’s direction.
During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Pershing spearheaded significant reforms within the Army, modernizing training methodologies, emphasizing physical fitness, and establishing professional military schools for officers, leaving a lasting impact on the U.S. Army’s structure and effectiveness.
On September 12, 1924, after an extraordinary forty-two-year career, Gen John Pershing retired from the Army. However, his commitment to military service continued in retirement. He remained deeply involved with the American Battle Monuments Commission, overseeing the construction of memorials honoring American soldiers who perished in World War I, ensuring their sacrifices were remembered. In 1931, he published his memoirs, My Experiences in the World War, which earned him the Pulitzer Prize, further cementing his legacy as a writer and historical figure.
As World War II loomed, Gen John Pershing provided counsel to his former protégés, Generals George Marshall and George Patton, sharing his vast experience and strategic insights. Pershing lived to witness the Allied victory in 1945, a culmination of the global conflicts he had played such a significant role in shaping.
On July 15, 1948, Gen John Pershing was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, his final resting place among many of the soldiers he had commanded during World War I. His simple gravestone stands as a testament to a life dedicated to service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his nation.
Resources
Army Times. The Yanks Are Coming. (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1960).
“Buildings are Style U.S. Disgrace,” San Francisco Chronicle 31 Aug. 1915:
Goldhurst, Richard. “Pipe Clay and Drill, John J. Pershing: The Classic American Soldier,” Readers Digest Press, 1977
Hymel, Kevin. “Black Jack In Cuba.” On Point, Winter 1998. http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/documents/spanam/WS-Prshg.htm.
“Nine Have Lost Lives in Fire,” San Francisco Examiner 28 Aug. 1915:
O’Connor, Richard. Black Jack Pershing. (New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1961).
Smythe, Donald. “You Dear Old Jack Pershing.” American History Illustrated, October 1972. Vol. VII, no. 6, 19.
Smythe, Donald. “Guerrilla Warrior: The Early Life of John J Pershing”, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1973.
Vandiver, Frank E. Illustrious Americans: John J. Pershing. (New Jersey: Silver Burdett Compant, 1967).
