John Joseph Pershing

AKA: "Black Jack"

Born 1860-09-13 Laclede, MO (USA)

Died 1948-07-15
Washington DC (United States of America)

Buried
Arlington, VA (United States of America)
Arlington National Cemetary

General John J. Pershing is best known for having commanded the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War I, 1917-1918. He also served in the Spanish American and Philippine American wars, and, in a famous and career making assignment, commanded the punitive expedition sent to attack Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa in 1916.

Pershing was sent to Nebraska in 1891 to teach military science, head the Military Science department and in that capacity, lead the Nebraska cadets. He successfully reorganized military training and the cadet corps, and founded the elite unit later known as the Pershing Rifles. He made a deep impression at the University, where he became well acquainted with Chancellor Canfield, taught Dorothy Canfield and Willa Cather fencing and mathematics, and developed a lasting friendship with Charles Dawes. He also completed a law degree at Nebraska. He left the University for another post in 1895. The University of Nebraska on-line collaborative history has a wonderful and detailed account of his activities and influence at Nebraska. He was a fellow mid-westerner, and is remembered as a Nebraskan for the depth of the impression he made here, rather than for the length of his stay.

Places Lived

Lincoln, NE 1891-1895

Author Of

Nonfiction

Keywords

Autobiography--Military; World War I; Spanish-American War; Philippine Insurrection

Honors

“150 Notable Nebraskans”, Number 13 on the Journal Star Sesquicentennial List of Significant Nebraskans

Bibliography

Final Report of John J. Pershing. 1919.
My Experiences in the World War. 1931.

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