GENERAL PERSHING TO BECOME ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 13, 1921, Secretary of War John W. Weeks* announced the appointment of General John J. Pershing as Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
The General, who is to take office on July 1, 1921, will remain head of the General Headquarters or war staff. The "combined office" will make the General "the supreme leader of the American military establishment."
The New York Tribune reports that this gives General Pershing "greater power and authority (over the Army) than have been conferred upon any one officer."
Secretary Weeks said that the General would be charged "with the organization and training of all elements of the army, ...the National Guard and the organized reserves."
*John Wingate Weeks (1860-1926) was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire. JWW served in the US House of Representatives 1905-1913, US Senate 1913-1919, & was Sec of War 1921-1925.
SOURCE
"Pershing to Become Army Chief of Staff," The New York Tribune, May 14, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
