1910's Government and Politics | Pershing, John J. 1860-1948

GENERAL, U.S. ARMY, 19O6-1924

AEF Commander.

Already well known for his masterful command of troops in Mexico in 1916, Gen. John J. Pershing led American troops in Europe during World War I, tipping the scales in favor of the Allies at a critical point in the war and thus ensuring their victory.

Early Life and Career.

Born in Linn County, Missouri, on 13 September 1860, John Joseph Pershing entered West Point in 1882. During his final year he was appointed senior cadet captain and became president of his class, graduating thirtieth in his class in 1886. He served as a cavalry officer in New Mexico during campaigns against Apache chief Geronimo's warriors in 1886 and in South Dakota during skirmishes at Wounded Knee Creek against the Sioux in 1890 and 1891. In 1891-1895 he taught military tactics at the University of Nebraska, where he took a law degree in 1893. In 1897-1898 he taught at West Point, where...