John J. Pershing

John Pershing, nicknamed “Black Jack,” was the general officer who led the American Expeditionary Forces in the war. He was born on September 13, 1860 in Laclede, Missouri. John Pershing was promoted to full general in the National Army after Frederick Funston, considered for the top billet as the Commander of the American Expeditionary Force, died from a heart attack on February 19, 1917. Pershing arrived in Paris July 4, 1917, the British and French commanders wanted to split up the American troops into their own but Pershing didn’t want that. Presidents Wilson supported Pershing in not separating American troops, Pershing insisted that American soldiers fight in American units with American command. American successes were largely credited to Pershing, and he became the most celebrated American leader of the war. He died July 15, 1948 at the age of 87 in Washington, D.C.