John J. Pershing

John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (September 13, 1860 – July 15, 1948) was an officer in the United States Army. Pershing eventually rose to the highest rank ever held in the United States military, equivalent only to the posthumous rank of George Washington: General of the Armies. He was born near Laclede, Missouri and graduated from United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1886.

Early career

Pershing reported for active duty on September 30, 1886 and was assigned to Troop L of the 6th Cavalry stationed at Fort Bayard, New Mexico. While serving in the 6th Cavalry, Pershing participated in several Indian campaigns and cited for bravery for actions against the Apache.

Related Topics:
Fort Bayard, New Mexico - Apache

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Between 1887 and 1890, Pershing served with the 6th Cavalry at various postings in California, Arizona, and North Dakota. He also became an expert marksman and, in 1891, was rated second in pistol and fifth in rifle out of all soldiers in the U.S. Army.

Related Topics:
California - Arizona - North Dakota

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On December 9, 1890, Pershing and the 6th Cavalry arrived at Sioux City, Iowa where Pershing played a role in surpressing the last uprisings of the Lakota (Sioux) Indians. A year later, he was assigned as an instructor of military tactics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Pershing would hold this posting until 1895 but was not promoted, remaining as a Second Lieutenant at the age of 35 years old.

Related Topics:
Sioux City, Iowa - Lakota (Sioux) - Indians - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While in Nebraska, Pershing also attended law school and graduted in 1893. In addition, he formed a drill company in 1894 which won the Omaha Cup.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On October 1, 1895, Pershing was promoted to First Lieutenant and took command of the United States Army's 10th Cavalry Regiment, which was comprised of African-American soldiers under white officers. He commanded actions against the Plains Indians and was responsible for deporting a large number of Creek Indians to Canada. While unsympathetic to Native Americans, Pershing was an outspoken advocate of the value of African American soldiers in the U.S. military.

Related Topics:
1895 - First Lieutenant - United States Army - Cavalry - African-American - White - Plains Indians - Creek Indians - Canada

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1897, Pershing became an instructor at West Point where he joined the tactical staff. While at West Point, cadets upset over Pershing's harsh treatment and high standards took to calling him "Nigger Jack" as a reference to his service with the 10th Cavalry. This was softened to "Black Jack" by reporters covering Pershing during World War I.

Related Topics:
1897 - World War I

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~