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.

Spanish and Philippine-American Wars

Upon the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, First Lieutenant Pershing (now 38 years old) was offered a brevet rank and was commissioned a Major of Volunteers on August 26, 1898. He fought with distinction at Kettle and San Juan Hill in Cuba and was cited for gallantry. In 1919 he was awarded the Silver Citation Star for these actions and, in 1932, the award was upgraded to the Silver Star Medal.

Related Topics:
Spanish-American War - Brevet - San Juan Hill - Cuba - Silver Citation Star - Silver Star Medal

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In March of 1899, after suffering from malaria and spending a sick furlough in the United States, Pershing was put in charge of the Office of Customs and Insular Affairs which oversaw occupation forces gained in the Spanish-American War to include Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam.

Related Topics:
Malaria - Cuba - Puerto Rico - Philippines - Guam

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When the Philippine-American War broke out, Pershing was ordered to Manila and reported for duty on August 17, 1899. He was assigned to the Department of Mindanao and Jolo and commanded efforts to surpress Philippine insurrectionists. On November 27, 1900, Pershing was appointed Adjutant General of his Department and served in this posting until March 1, 1901. He was cited for bravery for actions on the Cagayan River while attempting to destroy a rebel stronghold at Macajambo.

Related Topics:
Philippine-American War - Manila - Cagayan River - Macajambo

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In the spring of 1901, Pershing's brevet commission was revoked and he was recommissioned as a Captain in the Regular Army. He served with the First Cavalry in the Philippines, continuing actions against Philippine rebels. He later joined the 15th Cavarly where he served as Intelligence Officer, participating in actions against the Moros where he was cited for bravery at Lake Lanao. In June of 1901 he also briefly served as Commander of Camp Vicars, Philippines, after the previous camp commander had been promoted to Brigadier General.

Related Topics:
Regular Army - Moros - Lake Lanao - Brigadier General

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