John Pershing

Image from Photos of the Great War (http://raven.cc.ukans.edu/~kansite/ww_one/photos/greatwar.htm).

John Joseph (Black Jack) Pershing (September 13, 1860-July 15, 1948) was an American general. He was born near Laclede, Missouri and graduated from West Point in 1886.

During World War I he was commander in chief (1917-18) of the American Expeditionary Force[?] sent to France to assist the Allies. Pershing fought continual political campaigns to keep the AEF from being split up to augment British and French forces.

After the war, Pershing served as US Chief of Staff in the years 1921-1924. When he retired at age 64, Congress bestowed upon him the title General of the Armies.

In 1940, he was an outspoken advocate of aiding Britain in World War II.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, near the gravesites of the soldiers he commanded in Europe.