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Born on 13 September 1860 in Laclede, Missouri

Attended West Point U.S. Military Academy, was named Cadet First Captain, graduated 30 of 77 in 1886

Commissioned into the Calvary

Given the nickname "Black Jack" by West Point Cadets for his strictness

Completed Law Degree while serving as Chief Military Instructor at University of Nebraska

Served with African American 10th Calvary in Cuba, 1898

1905 - Married daughter of Senator Francis E. Warren

1906 - Promoted to Brigadier General over 862 others

1914 - Took command of 8th Brigade, sent to assist with Mexican border issues

27 Aug 1915 - Wife and 3 daughters killed in fire in San Francisco

Ordered to chase down Pancho Villa, following attacks in New Mexico into Mexico, Mar 1916 to Feb 1917

1917-1918 - Commander of American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

1921-1924 - Army Chief of Staff

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Strict on standards and discipline

Willing understand and assimilate with enemy, when appropriate (early C.O.I.N.)

Excellent diplomacy skills (Moro Province, 1909-1913)

Politically minded, saw the "big picture"

Mission first over personal feelings

Knew when and how to speak in opposition

Eye for talent

Delegation

Ability to take council

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Very rigid with treatment of soldiers

Uncompromising in ideals of training

Underestimated vastness of AEF

Strictness made him feared, caused commanders to overcompensate

Vanity (need to prove American superiority)

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Protected US and soldiers while operating in Mexico via policy of civilian interaction

Protected US Troops from Allied command

Logistical Command of AEF

Reorganized command structure during Meuse Argonne

Created new education for military (Amy Industrial War College)

Influence and mentorship of future leaders (Patton, Eisenhower, etc.)

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Did not take into account German offensive while training troops

False confidence gained in St Mihiel

Mismanaged resources at Meuse Argonne

Open warfare style had mass casualties

Not willing to accept advice from Allied leaders, lea

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GEN Pershing ushered in a new way of battle the American population had never seen, not to mention the size of it all. As most before him, GEN Pershing had both strengths and weaknesses. Whereas his weakness steamed from his rigidness and need to prove the might of the American force, without taking into consideration the experience of those before him (Ambivalent Ally, Adas).
Pershing's failures as a tactician were made up by his capacity to learn and adapt. After the initial slaughter at Meuse Argonne, he relinquished his overall command and control of the battle and delegated it to commanders on scene. he also recognized that First Army was too big for one commander to control effectively and split up his forces (Great Commanders, Gable & Willbanks).
While his decisions cost many lives, many that could have been avoided, he was the best man for the job at the time. "Heavy is the head that wears the crown." His ability to organize and amass an Army on short notice with constant pressure of politics, as well as an attacking enemy, cannot be overstated. I especially like the fact that he took everything from France and came back and sought to improve the education and training of future leaders, based on the mistakes that he had a part in making.

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Ambivalent Ally: American Military Intervention of the Endgame and Legacy of World War I, Michael Adas, (2014)

Great Commanders, Christopher R. Gable and James H. Willbanks (Aug 2012)

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Stereotypical of this class, it is time for the rating of GEN John J. Pershing. Great Commander or not?
I would not bestow this title upon him, strictly for the fact of how many lives he cost, based mostly on this "American superiority" complex he seemed so desperate to prove to the world. It is something that is inexcusable and hard to get past.
That being said, he is a very important figure within our history. He is a model officer. His actions in Mexico, Cuba, and the Philippines show early aspects of C.O.I.N.
His leadership and mentorship for future commanders should not be and cannot be overlooked. He paved the way for leader today learn the true scope and magnitude of warfare on the world scale.