Pershing graduated in 1886, 30th in a class of 77. His first posting was at Fort Bayard, New Mexico, where, among other things, he became a 1st lieutenant commanding a unit of Afro-American cavalry, the “buffalo soldiers.” One theory is that this is where he got his nickname of “Black Jack” Pershing. “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. Pershing, in full John Joseph Pershing, byname Black Jack, (born September 13, 1860, Laclede, Missouri, U.S.—died July 15, 1948, Washington, D.C.), U.S. Army general who commanded the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in Europe during World War I. Pershing, whose military career included a stint with the University of Nebraska Military Department (1891-1895), was once the nation’s best-known military commander. After he led U.S. Forces during World War I, he was honored as the highest-ranking general in the history of the U.S. Army until his death in 1948.

Chapter Address

AGCRA General John “Black Jack” Pershing Chapter
Nebraska Army National Guard
2433 NW 24th Street
Lincoln, NE 68524

Officers

The foremost militaryleader of his time, General John 'Black Jack' Pershing (1860-1948) served in the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippines, the Mexican Intervention and World War I.

During his next assignment in Washington, Captain Pershing met Helen Frances Warren, a recent graduate of Wellesley College and daughter of United States Senator Francis E. Warren of Wyoming.

General John J Blackjack Pershing

Though twenty years her senior, Pershing charmed Miss Warren. In describing a social gathering, she wrote, 'Danced every dance but one, and have lost my heart to Captain Pershing irretrievably.'

General John Blackjack Pershing Poster

The courtship lasted a year, sustained by traditional wooing and love letters. The two were married in a wedding attended by President Theodore Roosevelt just days before Pershing shipped out to Tokyo, Japan, where he served as a military attaché and observer of the Russo-Japanese War.

General John J. Blackjack Pershing

Captain Pershing's brilliance continued to be recognized. In 1906, he was promoted to Brigadier General, skipping over 862 senior officers.

General John Blackjack Pershing

After Japan, Brigadier General Pershing was sent back to the Philippines to command Fort McKinley. During this time, Pershing once again worked with the Moros in their development of a constitution and organization of a local government. In 1913, Pershing successfully led troops to overtake outlaw Moros in the Mount Bagsak campaign, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.