His career included serving in the cavalry out West. Perry writes that Pershing was a compassionate man and one who prefered negotiating-fighting to be a last resort. His strong belief in these tenets and his respect of other cultures served him well during his entire career. Rules and decorum were to be adhered to always. Life circumstances took him to West Point where he learned that 'Duty and discipline were the only standard'. Pershing's early aspiration was to become a lawyer. He was a fun loving and passionate man whose loyalty to family was boundless. Mr Perry carefully presents aspects of Pershing's amazing skills as a military genius as well his personal characteristics. Perry acknowledges that while he knew little about Pershing prior to writing this book, his research led him to discover that Pershing was a remarkable man who was multi- dimensional. PERSHING COMMANDER OF THE GREAT WAR AUTHOR: John Perry Publisher: Thomas Nelson 2011 The role of a biographer is to recount the life of their subject as objectively and accurately as possible.

A legend in his own time, Pershing became the first man to be appointed General of the Armies. Not only were there honor and order in his methods, there was victory. When France and England yearned for much-needed support against a German juggernaut, Pershing established an aggressive strategy that incorporated overwhelming numbers and comprehensive engagement, a strategy that made all the difference. Now, as one of its youngest generals, that training would be put to test in the coming Great War.Īuthor John Perry unveils a general somewhat neglected by history, a mystifying fact considering that at one time more than a million soldiers followed him into battle.

When President Roosevelt promoted him to general in 1906, Pershing had been one of the army's oldest captains. More than 60 years after his death, he personifies the image of an American general.Īrmy service in the Philippines and Mexico and alongside Teddy Roosevelt in Cuba served as a critical training ground for Pershing.

Pershing helped shape the 20th century by leading American troops in a war that saved Europe. Alienating some and inspiring others, Pershing recognized the challenges of modern warfare and embraced them as life's mission. Attentive to the last detail, rigid in his expectations of drill and execution, and fiercely protective of every man he commanded, General John J.

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