"I AM NOT ON THE SICK LIST...BUT..."

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/

John J. Pershing

Time Magazine Cover

August 11, 1924

"PEACETIME REITERATION OF AMERICA'S PATRIOTIC SPIRIT"

'BLACK JACK' SPENDS HIS LAST FULL DAY OF ACTIVE SERVICE IN U.S. ARMY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) General John J. Pershing* has "spent his last full day of active service in the Army he loved."

The Evening Star reports on September 12, 1924 that the General retires having witnessed "with mingled emotions"a peacetime reiteration of America's patriotic spirit as well as his emergence following the world war as a "war hero."

JFK+50 NOTE

One theory of how Pershing got the nickname 'Black Jack' is because his first posting as a First Lieutenant at Fort Bayard, Arizona included commanding African-American 'buffalo soldiers'.

*John Joseph Pershing (1860-1948) was born in Laclede, Missouri & served in the United States Army 1886-1924.  JJP served in the Mexican Expedition, American Expeditionary Force, First U.S. Army and as Chief of Staff.

SOURCE

"Pershing Leaving Army, Is Honored," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 12, 1924 

 

 

John J. Pershing

Bain News Service

Library of Congress

"SECRETARY OF WAR, GENERAL OF ARMIES, CHIEF OF STAFF"

GEN. PERSHING, HOLDING DOWN 3 JOBS, CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On September 13, 1923, General John J. Pershing* celebrated his sixty-third birthday.  The Evening Star reports the General is beginning his final year of active service serving in three roles:  acting Secretary of War, general of the armies, and chief of staff.

General Pershing will go on the retired list one year from today.  He told the Star that a test mobilization will take place at the time.  The General also says the army's plan laid out in the National Defense Act of 1920** has been "worked out" and is, in his opinion, a "workable plan."

*John Joseph Pershing (1860-1948) was born in Laclede, Missouri & served in the US Army 1877-1924.  JJP was commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in WWI 1917-1918 & is the only American to be promoted during his lifetime as General of the Armies, the highest possible rank in the US Army.

**National Defense Act of 1920 increased the maximum strength of the regular army from 175,000 to 280,000 and of the national guard to 435,800. 

SOURCE

"Pershing, 63 Today, Celebrates While Holding Down Three Jobs," The Evening Star, September 13, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

General John J. Pershing

in France 1917

Colorized version of 

original Library of Congress Image

"DOUGHBOYS PASSING OFF STAGE AS AMERICA'S DEFENDERS"

ONLY 600,000 VETS AVAILABLE FOR BATTLE SERVICE BY 1925

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 11, 1923, the Associated Press reports "men who shared with (General John J.) Pershing the great adventure in France are passing off the stage as America's defenders." 

According to "official charts...their place already is being taken by the younger brothers of the A.E.F.* "Tomorrow," the A.P. continues, "it will be their sons who stand ready to fight..." 

By January 1, 1920, 3 million doughboys** had been discharged from the army and by 1925 only 600,000 veterans will be available for "battle service."  That number will drop to 423,000 by 1930.

*A.E.F. (American Expeditionary Forces) a formation of the United States Army in Western France during WWI established on July 5 1917 under command of General Pershing.  AEF HQ at Chaumont, France. Total # of soldiers in 1918, 2,057,675.

**doughboys is a popular term for American infantrymen in WWI.  The origin of the term is unknown but among the possibilities are because of their fondness for doughnuts served by the Red Cross and the shape of their uniform buttons.

SOURCE

"Great U.S. Army of '20 Fades; Soon Sons Must Defend Flag," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., February 11, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

General Headquarters A.E.F.

Distinctive Cloth Insignia

by The Institute of Heraldry

"GIRLS SERVED CHOCOLATE & COFFEE IN THE WAR"

FIRST GRAND REUNION OF WOMEN'S OVERSEAS SERVICE LEAGUE TO MEET IN NATION'S CAPITAL

 Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 29, 1922, the Evening Star reports "the girls who served chocolate and coffee in the war are going to meet in Washington next week and have a cup for auld lang syne."

The Star says that this will be the first grand reunion of the Women's Overseas Service League* since the end of the world war**.

These women were Salvation Army hostesses, dishwashers in the canteens, checker players in recreation huts, telephone operators, nurses, clerks and ambulance drivers. 

The group will be greeted by none other than the head of the American Expeditionary Forces, General John J. Pershing.   The First Lady will host a reception at the White House in honor of the women and a memorial service for the 150 women who died in the war will be held at the Arlington Amphitheater.

*WOSL was founded in 1921 to provide financial support & relationships for & between women who served in WWI.  Their annual convention has been held every year since (except during the WWII years, 1942-1945).

**Up until the beginning of the 2nd World War, the 1st World War was known as "the world war," or "the great war." 

SOURCE

"Girls Will Swap War Yarns Here," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., April 29, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

 

Four Members of the Women's Overseas Service League

From Who's Who Among the Women of California

by Louis S. Lyons, 1922

                               

"BECAUSE OF BRAVERY HE IS 'BRAVE EAGLE' FROM NOW ON"

GENERAL PERSHING GETS SIOUX INDIAN NAME

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 20, 1921, General John J. Pershing was informed by telegram that "hereafter (he) will be known to members of the Sioux Indian tribe as 'Brave Eagle'."

The name had been conferred on the General at a council meeting held at the Sioux Rosebud reservation on Armistice Day.

Commissioner Burke of the Bureau of Indian Affairs presented the telegram to General Pershing.  It reads...

"His name will be Brave Eagle on account of his bravery.  He will be known as Brave Eagle from now on."

SOURCE

"Sioux Indians Honor Pershing With Name Of  'Brave Eagle'," The Evening Star, November 20, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Bald Eagle Face

Photo by Vtornet (2007)

www.commons.wikimedia.org/

'

"CAPTURED 3 MG NESTS, KILLED 19 ENEMY SOLDIERS"

SGT. WOODFILL TO REPRESENT U.S. ARMY INFANTRY AT ARMISTICE DAY CEREMONIES

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 31, 1921, General John J. Pershing, after reviewing records of the recent world war, designated Sergeant Samuel Woodfill* of the 60th Infantry, 5th Division to represent the U.S. Army at the upcoming Armistice Day ceremonies.

Sgt. Woodfill arrived in the Nation's Capital today from Fort Thomas, Kentucky.  His actions of valor came at the Meuse-Argonne offensive on October 12, 1918 when he single-handedly "captured three machine guns, killed nineteen enemy soldiers and took three prisoners."

*Samuel Woodfill (1883-1850) was born in Belleview, Indiana & served in the US Army 1901-1923.  SW received the Medal of Honor in addition to numerous other U.S. & foreign honors.  He also served in WWII, 1942-1944.

SOURCE

"Armistice Day Hero Named by Gen. Pershing," The New York Tribune, November 1, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Sgt. Samuel Woodfill

April 14 1921

U.S. Army Photo

"ESCORTED BY AMERICAN DESTROYERS & SEAPLANES"

PERSHING WELCOMES FOCH TO UNITED STATES

New York City (JFK+50) On October 28, 1921, Marshal Ferdinand Foch* "steamed into New York...on the liner Paris to sit with his American 'buddies' at their legion's convention in Kansas City."

Arriving ahead of Foch was General John J. Pershing who returned from his European trip to welcome the French commander to the United States.

The Paris was "escorted by American destroyers and seaplanes."

Marshal Foch is scheduled to leave New York late in the day bound for Washington, D.C. to lunch with President Warren G. Harding and the First Lady.

*Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929) was born in Tarbes, France & served as Supreme Allied Commander during WWI.

SOURCE

"Pershing Races In N.Y. Ahead Of Foch," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 28, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Marshal Ferdinand Foch

1 January 1919

"APPLAUDED BY HUNDREDS OF ONLOOKERS"

PERSHING IS THE TOAST OF LONDON

London (JFK+50) At 7 p.m. on October 16, 1921, General John J. Pershing arrived at Victoria Station here in London.  He was greeted by Sir Laming Worthington-Evans*, Secretary of War.

The General has come here to take part in ceremonies to honor Great Britain's unknown soldier.  

The New York Tribune reports that General Pershing was applauded by "hundreds of onlookers" upon his arrival.

*Sir Laming Worthington-Evans (1868-1931)  served in WWI & as Secretary of War, 1924-1929. LWE became the Baronet of Colchester in 1916.

SOURCE

"London Gives Wild Ovation to Pershing," The New York Tribune, October 17, 1921, www.chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Sir Laming Worthington-Evans

1920s

www.treaty.nationalarchives.ie

"MOST DRAMATIC SCENE PARIS HAS KNOWN"

PERSHING CALLS FOR SPIRIT OF UNSELFISH CO-OPERATION

Paris, France (JFK+50) On October 2, 1921, General John J. Pershing "and more than 500...American soldiers stood before the Arc de Triomphe* to honor France's 'Unknown Soldier.'"

Wilbur Forrest describes it as "the most significant and dramatic scene the city (of Paris) has known."

General Pershing said...

"In your heart there is malice toward none but charity for all.  It is this spirit...which will establish confidence among nations.

You gave your life for peace, but your gift will be barren unless the generous spirit of unselfish co-operation arises to take the place of hatred."

*Arc de Triomphe is located on the right bank of the Seine & completed in the mid 1830s.  The Arc became the rallying point for French troops after successful military campaigns & the annual Bastille Day parade.

SOURCE

"Pershing Plea for War Curb Stirs Paris Throng," by Wilbur Forrest, The New York Tribune, October 3, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

   

 

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Paris, France

Photo by Zairon (2017)

www.wikimedia.org/

"THE GREATEST INAUGURAL PARADE IN HISTORY"

PERSHING AGREES TO BE GRAND MARSHAL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On the evening of December 27, 1920, E.B. McLean*, chairman of the Inaugural Committee, received a wire from General John J. Pershing informing him that the General "would be glad to accept the post of grand marshal for the parade and act as chairman of the committee on military affairs."

Upon learning of General Pershing's decision, members of the Inaugural Committee were in agreement that "this would be the greatest inaugural parade in history."

 

*Edward Beale McLean (1889-1941) was born in Washington, D.C. & became publisher of the Washington Post (1916-1933).  EBM was owner of the Hope Diamond.

 

SOURCE

"General JJ Pershing Agrees To Lead Inaugural March," The Washington Herald, December 28, 1920, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

 

John Joseph Pershing

Time Magazine Cover

Aug 11 1924

 
 

JUST ANOTHER DAY OF INSPECTIONS FOR GEN. PERSHING

BLACK JACK SPEAKS AT A.E.F. UNIVERSITY AT BEAUNE

Beaune, France (JFK+50) On April 3, 1919, United States Army General John J. Pershing* arrived by train at 8:30 in the morning here in Beaune to inspect the personnel of the American Expeditionary Force University**.

The General was met by Colonel Ira Reeves***, commandant of A.E.F.U.  After the inspection, Pershing gave a speech and then motored to Dijon for another inspection.

General Pershing took lunch at Is-sur-Tille and inspected the new regulation station where soldiers passed through before going on leave.

The General returned by motor car to his headquarters at Chaumont at 6 p.m.

*John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (1860-1948) was born in Laciede, Missouri & graduated from West Point in 1886.  He served in the New Mexico territory before becoming an instructor at the US Military Academy.  JJP served in the Spanish-American War & pursued Pancho Villa in 1916.  He commanded the American Expeditionary Force in WWI.

**American Expeditionary Forces University at Beaune was an American university located in France, equally distant from Paris & the Mediterranean.

***Ira Louis Reeves (1872-1939) was born in Jefferson City, MO & was educated at Purdue, the University of Vermont, Norwich University & Middlebury College (LL.D).  Col. Reeves served as C.O. of the A.E.F. University at Beaune from Feb 9 - June 15, 1919.

SOURCE

"John J. Pershing Diary, Set 3, January 28, 1919 -April 3, 1919," World Digital Library, www.wdl.org/

General John J. Pershing

AEF General HQ

Oct 19 1918

Photo by 2nd Lt. L.J. Rode

"THE GENERAL WAS KEPT AT ALMOST CONTINUAL SALUTE BY THE TRIBUTES"

PERSHING LEADS VICTORY PARADE DOWN 5TH AVE

New York City (JFK+50) On March 25, 1919, General John J. Pershing* led a victory parade of 25,000 soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force's First Division along Fifth Avenue from 101st Street to Washington Square here in the Big Apple.

The New York Times reported that the General...

"was kept at almost continual salute by the tributes...from both sides of the avenue."

*John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (1860-1947) was born in Laclede, MO 2 months before Lincoln's election as POTUS & died 1 month after my birth.  He was educated at Truman State University & the US Army War College.  JJP was commander in chief of the AEF in WWI.

SOURCE

"The World War I Victory Parade Up New York City's Fifth Avenue Was Held," by Andrew Glass, September 10, 2012, The Naples Museum Of Military History, www.naplesmuseummilitaryhistory.org/

General John J. Pershing

Chief of Staff

US Army Portrait

"OUR ARMY HAS EXECUTED THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE WITH RESOLUTE PURPOSE"

GENERAL PERSHING ISSUES GENERAL ORDER NO. 38-A

Chaumont, France (JFK+50) On February 28, 1919, United States Army General John J. Pershing* issued General Order No. 38-A from General Headquarters here in France.

The orders read, in part...

"Now that your service with the American Expeditionary Force is about to terminate, I cannot let you go without a personal word.

With the support of the nation, our army has executed the will of the people with resolute purpose.  Our democracy has been tested and the forces of autocracy have been defeated.  To the glory of the citizen-soldier, our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust.

In leaving the scenes of your victories...carry home your high ideals and continue to live as you have served--an honor to the principles for which you have fought. 

I extend our sincere thanks for your splendid service."

*John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (1860-1948) was born in Laciede, Missouri & graduated from West Point in 1886.  He served in the New Mexico territory before becoming an instructor at the US Military Academy.  JJP served in the Spanish-American War & pursued Pancho Villa in 1916.  He commanded the American Expeditionary Force in WWI.

SOURCE

"John Pershing General Order No. 38-A--February 28, 1919, Missouri Digital Heritage.

General John J. Pershing

AEF General HQ

Oct 19 1918

Photo by 2nd Lt. L.J. Rode

IT IS YOUR PAPER.......GOOD LUCK TO IT

STARS & STRIPES FIRST EDITION PUBLISHED 100 YEARS AGO

Paris, France (JFK+50) One hundred years ago, February 8, 1918, The Stars and Stripes published its first edition at the bequest of American Expeditionary Force commander General John J. Pershing who "wanted a newspaper written by servicemen for the soldiers on the battlefront."

The General's front-page message for the inaugural edition included these words...

"It is your paper.  Good luck to it."

The one thousand copies of the first edition of The Stars and Stripes sold out.  The paper was published in France during a 17 month run.  By the end of its first year, the paper reached more than half a million readers.

SOURCE

"The Stars and Stripes, Volume 1, Number 1, February 8, 1918", World Digital Library, www.wdl.org/

The Stars and Stripes Extra

United States Army Image

ALLIES NEED TREMENDOUS ASSISTANCE BY THE U.S.

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2380

U.S. OFFICERS SAY GERMAN LINE VIRTUALLY IMPREGNABLE 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, July 24, 1917, nine military officers who accompanied General John J. Pershing on a tour of the Western Front* returned here to Washington "prepared to submit a report" that would reveal their astonishment at conditions along the battle line.

It was the view of the officers that the German line "is virtually impregnable" without "tremendous assistance by the United States."

The report would also indicate that the officers saw no evidence that Germany was "about to be broken because of internal dissension, or shortage of foods."

*The Western Front was the primary theater of WWI.  It stretched through Belgium, Northeastern France, Alsace-Lorraine & Western Germany.  It was the site of the Battle of the Marne, the Battle of Verdun & the Battle of Somme.

SOURCE

"Allies Cannot Crush Foe, U.S. Officers Report", The Chicago Daily Tribune, July 25, 1917.

Map of the Western Front (1914)

World War I

The History Department

United States Military Academy

FIRST AMERICAN ARMY IN EUROPEAN TERRITORY

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2364

PERSHING ORDERS U.S. ARMY TO TREAT FRENCH PEOPLE WITH COURTESY

Paris, France (JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, July 8, 1917, Major General John J. Pershing, commander of American forces in France, issued the following general order to his soldiers...

"For the first time in history an American army finds itself in European territory.  The good name of the United States of America and the maintenance of cordial relations require the perfect deportment of each member of this command."

The General went on to ask his men to treat the French people... 

"with the greatest courtesy and consideration....especially the women."  

And he added...

 "no damage to private property.  Honor them as those of your own country."

SOURCE

"Be Gentlemen For Sake of U.S., Pershing Asks,"  The Chicago Daily Tribune, July 9, 1917.

Men of U.S. 64th Regiment

November 11, 1918
U.S. National Archive
U.S. Army Photo

THE SAMMIES ARE COMING!

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2363

PERSHING LIKES "SAMMY" FOR HIS BOYS' NICKNAME

Paris, France (JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, July 7, 1917, in an interview with United Press, Major General John J. Pershing said...

"In my estimation (the nickname Sammy*) is the best possible one for these American boys."

Pershing went on to express his "pleasure and gratitude" for the reception his soldiers were given by the people of Paris on July 4th.

The General said...

"It was marvelous to see the French crowds shower flowers on our boys just as they would on their own."


*Sammy became a popular term for the American soldiers of WWI in Great Britain.  It derived, of course, from "Uncle Sam" the well-known symbol of the United States of America.

In the second verse of George M. Cohan's "Over There", Nora Bayes sang it..."Over There, Over There, the Sammies are coming."

SOURCE

"All Right, Gen. Pershing, We'll Call 'Em Sammy,"  The Chicago Daily Tribune, July 8, 1917.

"Sammies," The Word Detective, www.word-detective.com/

Uncle Sam Recruiting Poster
by J. M. Flagg (1917)
Library of Congress Photo