John Joseph Pershing (September 13, 1860 - July 15, 1948)

John Joseph Pershing was born in Laclede, Missouri, in 1860. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1886. During his career, Pershing served in the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, the Mexican Incursion, and the Great War (World War I). In 1895 he served as commander of the Tenth Cavalry, a group of African Americans known as “Buffalo Soldiers.” Because of his admiration for these soldiers, Pershing became known as “Black Jack.”

Pershing is most famous for serving as commander of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. These fresh troops from America boosted the spirits of American Allies and helped defeat Germany in 1918. In 1919 Congress promoted Pershing to the rank of “General of the Armies of the United States.” By law, no one could outrank Pershing as long as he lived.