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.

West Point years

John J. Pershing was sworn in as a West Point Cadet in the fall of 1882. He was selected early for leadership and rose to become the senior cadet in all four years at West Point. In 1886, Pershing was elected the Class President and held the rank of Cadet Captain, the highest possible cadet rank at West Point. In a rare honor, Pershing was also selected to command the West Point Honor Guard that attended the funeral of President Ulysses S. Grant.

Related Topics:
President - Ulysses S. Grant

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Pershing graduated from West Point in the summer of 1886 and was commended by the Superintendent of West Point, one General Merritt, as having high leadership skills and possessing "superb ability".

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Just prior to graduation, Pershing briefly considered petitioning the Army to let him study law and delay his commission. He applied for a furlough from West Point but soon withdrew the request in favor of active Army duty. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in the fall of 1886, at the age of 26, graduating 30th in a class of 77 at West Point.

Related Topics:
Second Lieutenant - United States Army

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