PERSHING ARRIVES IN KEY WEST FROM CHILE, WILL BE ADMITTED TO WALTER REED UPON ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON
Key West, Florida (JFK+50) On February 9, 1926, General John J. Pershing* arrived here in Key West "aboard the cruiser Denver en route to Washington, D.C. from Chile."
The General said upon arrival in Key West,
"I am not on the sick list...but...my health would entitle me to be were I on active duty."
Upon return to the Nation's Capital, the General will be admitted to Walter Reed Hospital.
JFK+50 NOTE
In February 1926, General Pershing might well have been in ill health, but he was far from being on his deathbed. "Black Jack" survived until July 15, 1948. The General died of coronary artery disease and cogestive heart failure. He was 87 years old.
*John Joseph Pershing (1860-1948) was born in Laclede, Missouri & was educated at United States Military Academy & U.S. Army War College. JJP was commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during WWI.
SOURCE
"Pershing Reaches Florida on Return," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 9, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress. www.loc.gov/
