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(n.d.). Retrieved from https://jjpershing.com/2018/04/19/11-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-john-j-pershing/

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/collections/john-pershing-papers/articles-and-essays/timeline/

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General Pershing had a long and varied career. The following link https://www.loc.gov/collections/john-pershing-papers/articles-and-essays/timeline/ provides a detailed timeline, but here a few highlights.

1886 Graduated as senior cadet captain, the highest honor conferred, from the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.,

1886-1890 Second lieutenant, 6th Cavalry; took part in New Mexico and Arizona Apache campaigns

In 1898, Pershing led 10th Cavalry Buffalo soldiers up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War. Pershing’s gallantry in the Battle of San Juan Hill caught the attention of Teddy Roosevelt, who also fought his way up San Juan Hill with his “Rough Riders” regiment.

1899-1903 Served in the Philippines. There he commanded U.S troops in several Moro Rebellion battles involving warring Moro (Muslim) tribes. Before Pershing returned to the United States in 1913, he was military governor of the southern Philippines’ Moro Province.

1906  After Roosevelt became president, he promoted Pershing to brigadier general over 800 other senior officers.

1906-1913 Served in the Philippines as Commander of Fort McKinley and then as the Governor of the Moro Province.

1916-1917 Commanded troops sent to Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa

1917-1919 Commander-in-chief, American Expeditionary Forces (World War I)

1919 Confirmed by Senate as general of the armies of the United States and became the only active-duty six-star general in U.S. history.

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Pershing came from a humble background and showed, much like Napoleon, what an individual with drive and talent could accomplish. He may not meet all of Clausewitz's wickets for being deemed a great leader, but he surely meets a few. His ability to lead troops in difficult and adverse conditions and still produce an ultimate victory are a lesson to be studied and emulated by future commanders. His flaws and mistakes are also to be learned from as lessons of what not to do and how to overcome some of the obstacles he stumbled over.  While not one of the most endearing leaders in history, his record of accomplishments as a leader cannot be ignored.  He was strong willed, courageous, and resolute in his pursuit of victory and achieving the ultimate goal.  He is deserving of respect for his accomplishments and his ability to achieve victory.

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Accomplishments - Achieved many victories in many different campaigns through out his career from fighting Apaches in the west, chasing Poncho Villa, charging up San Juan hill in the Spanish American war, and leading the AEF to victory in World War I.

Failures - He didn't actually capture Poncho Villa which some saw as a failure, but those weren't really his orders while on this mission.  His terseness with the European command while fighting in World War I, wasn't seen as being very diplomatic, but he was following orders from President Wilson.  I think his greatest failure, was being short sighted in training and preparing his men for the type of war they were fighting.  The battles he fought resulted in the largest loss of American lives ever seen.  Maybe this could have been prevented.

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Pros - He was a great tactician having planned and won battles in several countries .  Demonstrated bravery, in many battles over his career.  He displayed loyalty by following his orders whether he believed in them or not.  He was skilled at navigating the political waters of not only his own country, but of others as well. This led to his being chosen for assignments over men senior to himself.

Cons - Considered harsh and strict.  Not one to tolerate failure or ineptness (this could be a pro as well).  Slow in adapting to the changes of modern war which cost lives.

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He assembled and lead the largest U.S. fighting force that had ever been seen at that time.

He exemplified the political skills necessary to navigate the arduous tasks assigned to him while fighting as allies to foreign governments on foreign soil.

He was the first American General to fight a "new type" of war.  Not a war on horseback with single shot rifles, but one changed by the industrial age.  Machine guns, tanks, and aircraft were all foreign tools of war to him and his army, yet he adapted his fighting force to them.

His style of leadership is worth studying both for its good and bad qualities  (learn from his mistakes).

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General John J. Pershing is a well known leader of the United States Military forces during World War I.  He served with distinction during many military campaigns to include Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines, but none made his name more famous than his part in commanding the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I.
His style of hard nose leadership was not well received by many who served under him.  He was known for being stern, unbending, and uncompromising in his dealings with subordinates.
While his demeanor was questionable, you can not ignore the ultimate results he achieved.

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Born 13 September 1860 in Laclede, Missouri.

Started his military career in 1882 as a cadet at the United States Military Academy.  He was an average student, graduating 30th in a class of 77 in 1886.