John Joseph 'Black Jack' Pershing (9/13/1860-7/15/1948), was a general officer in the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Pershing is the only person to be promoted in his own lifetime to the highest rank ever held in the United States Army—General of the Armies. John Joseph Pershing to Gen. Foch, Letter written from Office of the Commander-in-Chief, American Expeditionary Forces, in France. 'Literary Digest History of World War,' Volume V, p. 43, March 28, 1918.

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Pershing was given the command of the American Expeditionary Force.

General Blackjack Pershing World War 1

This was not a good time for a war for the Army. There were limited supplies, no aircraft for an army still struggling with recruitment and organization.

There was a diplomatic mountain to scale as well: the French and the British expected the Americans to serve under their commands. Pershing refused, and successfully demanded separate camps for his men as well as training by American officers and sergeants.

In June 1918, the Germans launched a major offensive to capture crucial bridge crossings at the Marne River in France. Throughout the month, the American Expeditionary Force waged defensive and counteroffensive warfare against the Germans at the bloody Battle of Belleau Wood.

Black Jack Pershing World War 1 Battles

In mid-July, the American Expeditionary Force was again tested at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry. Victories in both these engagements led to the end of the last major German offensive of the war.

World War 1 Facts

In September 1918, Pershing successfully led American and French forces in an offensive against the German line in the Saint-Mihiel salient. This victory proved the competency and quality of the American troops and was followed by the final offensive of the war, Meuse-Argonne.

World War I John J Pershing

The slow, bloody advance of Allied troop progressed until November 11, 1918, when an armistice was finally declared.