From 1897-1898 he taught at West Point where he had a reputation as a strict disciplinarian and earned the nickname 'Black Jack' in reference to his command of black troops. He served with.

General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing is the highest ranked military officer buried here at Arlington National Cemetery, and the second highest ranked military officer in United States history. He was appointed General of the Armies, which indicates command over all branches of US armed services, on September 3, 1919. He is the only person to receive the rank while living. The only other person to hold this rank is Lieutenant General George Washington who received it nearly 200 years after his service in 1976. General of the Armies rank is equivalent to a six-star General status, though no insignia has ever been created.

Pershing was the president and first captain of the West Point class of 1886. He served in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. In 1897, Pershing returned to West Point as an instructor. The cadets, who disliked him because he was rigid and strict, gave him the nickname “Black Jack” because he served with the African-American Tenth Cavalry. The nickname, meant to be callous, stuck with Pershing for the rest of his life.

• A General’s Family Tragedy. One hundred years ago this spring, the American Expeditionary Forces entered World War I under the command of General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, who had also led the famous 10 th Cavalry Regiment of African-American “Buffalo Soldiers” during the Indian wars and the Spanish-American conflict.
• Regarding General Pershing, Colonel William Hayward, head of the 372nd Division stated: “Our great American general (Pershing) simply put the black orphan in a basket, set it on the doorstep of the French, pulled the bell, and went away” (Lanning, 1997, p.138).

General Pershing Quotes

Pershing quickly rose to the rank of general. In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson selected Pershing to command the American Expeditionary Forces during the Great War. Pershing’s willingness to integrate into Allied operations helped bring about the armistice with Germany. After the war, Pershing served as Army Chief of Staff from 1921 to 1924. He was mentor to a generation of U.S. Army generals including George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George C. Marshall and Omar Bradley, all of who led the United States through World War II.

This year is the 100th anniversary of America’s entrance in World War I. Visit the Welcome Center to view a special exhibition on the Great War. After that, ride the guided tram tour to learn more about General Pershing and other WWI notables.

General Black Jack Pershing Quotes

General Pershing Black Troops

Amanda Varnam
Arlington National Cemetery
Narrator, driver, trainer and dispatcher.