Important People: General John J. Pershing

John "Black Jack" Pershing was a general officer in the United States Army during the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, Phillipine-American War, Russo-Japanese War, and World War I on the western front. After graduating from West Point in 1886, Pershing swiftly rose through the ranks and became only person to be promoted in his own lifetime to the highest rank ever held in the United States Army - General of the Armies. Following the United States' declaration of War on Germany, Pershing was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). Pershing successfully led the AEF in the Second Battle of the Marne, which resulted in a victory for the allies that was a turing point in the war on the western front. Pershing's troops also took part in the breach of the Hindenburg line. Many of America's successes in World War I are credited to Pershing. An inspirational leader, he is regarded as a mentor by the generation of American generals who led the United States Army during World War II including Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton. Pershing is significant to the time period because he is one of the most influential military leaders of the century.

Pershing was such a great leader, that Arthur Guiterman was inspired to write a poem about him entitled "Pershing at the Front," which is an ironic title considering Pershing biggest piece of criticism is that he commanded from far behind the lines. The poem is about a group of soldiers led by Pershing moving up through trenches, closer and closer to "no man's land." The poem continues, but these are the first two stanzas:

The General came in a new tin hat

To the shell-torn front where the war was at;

With a faithful Aide at his good right hand

He made his way toward No Man’s Land,

And a tough Top Sergeant there they found,

And a Captain, too, to show them round.

Threading the ditch, their heads bent low,

Toward the lines of the watchful foe

They came through the murk and the powder stench

Till the Sergeant whispered, “Third-line trench!”

And the Captain whispered, “Third-line trench!”

And the Aide repeated, “Third-line trench!”

And Pershing answered- not in French-

“Yes, I see it. Third-line trench.”

What a cool guy!