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Until the Last Trumpet Sounds: The Life of General of the Armies John J. Pershing
Critical Praise for Gene Smith On Until the Last Trumpet Sounds"The best recent compact study of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I." Booklist"A six-star effort . . . captures Pershing better than anyone has before." The Grand Rapids PressOn The Shattered Dream"A storyteller of history, Gene Smith is one of the very best in his field." The Washington PostOn When the Cheering Stopped"A brilliantly written and dramatically effective work of history . . . Smith is a prodigious researcher, an artful writer." The New York TimesOn American Gothic"A ripping good tale . . . the story rivets you. You can t put the book down." The New York Times Book Review
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
7 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Gene Smith
38 books10 followersEugene Owen Smith was born in Manhattan on May 9, 1929, to Sara and Julius Smith. His father was a lawyer. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in history, he attended law school (at his father’s insistence) for six months.
After dropping out, he was drafted into the Army and served in Germany in the early 1950s. Returning to New York, Mr. Smith got a job as a clerk at Newsweek and by 1956 was a reporter at The Newark Star-Ledger
.
He joined The New York Post a year later and left in 1960 to write his first book, “The Life and Death of Serge Rubinstein” (1962), about the still-unsolved 1955 murder of an unscrupulous Wall Street millionaire.
Among Mr. Smith’s other books are “When the Cheering Stopped: The Last Years of Woodrow Wilson,” (1964); “High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Impeachment and Trial of Andrew Johnson” (1977); “Lee and Grant: A Dual Biography” (1984); and “Until the Last Trumpet Sounds: The Life of General of the Armies John J. Pershing” (1998), a study of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I.
Shortly before his death, Mr. Smith wrote a brief obituary of himself, in third-person singular. It says, “He used to muse that if there was an afterlife — granted a long shot, he said — he’d love it for the opportunities offered to interview people he studied in life.”
Mr. Smith died from bone cancer; he was eighty-three at the time of his death.
After dropping out, he was drafted into the Army and served in Germany in the early 1950s. Returning to New York, Mr. Smith got a job as a clerk at Newsweek and by 1956 was a reporter at The Newark Star-Ledger
.
He joined The New York Post a year later and left in 1960 to write his first book, “The Life and Death of Serge Rubinstein” (1962), about the still-unsolved 1955 murder of an unscrupulous Wall Street millionaire.
Among Mr. Smith’s other books are “When the Cheering Stopped: The Last Years of Woodrow Wilson,” (1964); “High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Impeachment and Trial of Andrew Johnson” (1977); “Lee and Grant: A Dual Biography” (1984); and “Until the Last Trumpet Sounds: The Life of General of the Armies John J. Pershing” (1998), a study of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I.
Shortly before his death, Mr. Smith wrote a brief obituary of himself, in third-person singular. It says, “He used to muse that if there was an afterlife — granted a long shot, he said — he’d love it for the opportunities offered to interview people he studied in life.”
Mr. Smith died from bone cancer; he was eighty-three at the time of his death.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 14, 2008
Though I have not read very many biographies, I know an engaging story when I read one. This however, was not it. Smith seems more concerned with giving a laundry list of activites, letters and seemingly innane facts to the reader, which for the most part do not give any sense of who Pershing was as a man. Though it is well established that he was discplined, hard working and worked to make himself better at everything he did, I did not come away feeling that i knew much more about him than before i opened the book. In truth, i did not finish this book, the style of writing and the scanning of whole paragraphs for useful information began to grate and finally forced me to put the book down in favor of something better.
September 20, 2015
My family is related to General Pershing, so I felt a great sense of pride and genuine interest in reading this book. A bit drab at times as most biography's tend to be, but very informative. What a neat man!
January 29, 2016
When I started the book I thought that Pershing was an interesting subject and the author appeared to be at least moderately competent. That thought didn't survive past the first half of the book.
This book was out of balance. For those of us with an interest in genealogy, there was nothing about Pershing's ancestors. The information about his parents was interesting. The book tells a little about his sisters and almost nothing about his brothers. But, the whole last half of the book is about Pershing's son and grandchildren. The author actually seemed in a hurry to end World War I so that he could get to the part about little Warren's bicycle, his toy soldiers, his cute little custom-made outfits, etc.
The author states that Pershing was deathly afraid that his son Warren would get a swelled head but no one else thought he showed any sign of being spoiled at all. But he also describes a child that is given every privilege and is spoiled almost beyond belief. The author describes him as "sweet and compliant." Sure, because he had no need to pout or have tantrums since he was denied nothing.
More pages were wasted when Pershing's son's wedding was described in unnecessary detail from the bride's gown, down to the flowers on the altar, the maid of honor's bouquet, the bridesmaid's gloves, etc. etc. etc.
The author made one list near the beginning of the book but in the last half of the book they increased exponentially. The list of clubs Pershing was an honorary member of just seemed to go on forever. Yes, a few of them were funny but the joke went on for too long. The editor must have fallen asleep. The first letters between Pershing and his wife are just embarrassing; the second and third are redundant and should have been cut. Not to mention the letters between Pershing and his mistress.
Now on to the photos. There was no photo of Pershing as a youngster although there is at least one available that I have seen elsewhere. There is one photo of Pershing as a student at West Point. All the rest of the photos were age 50+ The captions were incomplete, names were missing, and there were no dates. There were plenty of photos of Pershing's grandsons and even one of his daughter-in-law's dog, but none of his parents.
I am puzzled that the author is so critical of Pershing's own book My Experiences in the World War calling it unreadable by the general public and of interest only to military historians. But Pershing's book apparently won a Pulitzer prize. I probably should have read it instead of this one.
This book was out of balance. For those of us with an interest in genealogy, there was nothing about Pershing's ancestors. The information about his parents was interesting. The book tells a little about his sisters and almost nothing about his brothers. But, the whole last half of the book is about Pershing's son and grandchildren. The author actually seemed in a hurry to end World War I so that he could get to the part about little Warren's bicycle, his toy soldiers, his cute little custom-made outfits, etc.
The author states that Pershing was deathly afraid that his son Warren would get a swelled head but no one else thought he showed any sign of being spoiled at all. But he also describes a child that is given every privilege and is spoiled almost beyond belief. The author describes him as "sweet and compliant." Sure, because he had no need to pout or have tantrums since he was denied nothing.
More pages were wasted when Pershing's son's wedding was described in unnecessary detail from the bride's gown, down to the flowers on the altar, the maid of honor's bouquet, the bridesmaid's gloves, etc. etc. etc.
The author made one list near the beginning of the book but in the last half of the book they increased exponentially. The list of clubs Pershing was an honorary member of just seemed to go on forever. Yes, a few of them were funny but the joke went on for too long. The editor must have fallen asleep. The first letters between Pershing and his wife are just embarrassing; the second and third are redundant and should have been cut. Not to mention the letters between Pershing and his mistress.
Now on to the photos. There was no photo of Pershing as a youngster although there is at least one available that I have seen elsewhere. There is one photo of Pershing as a student at West Point. All the rest of the photos were age 50+ The captions were incomplete, names were missing, and there were no dates. There were plenty of photos of Pershing's grandsons and even one of his daughter-in-law's dog, but none of his parents.
I am puzzled that the author is so critical of Pershing's own book My Experiences in the World War calling it unreadable by the general public and of interest only to military historians. But Pershing's book apparently won a Pulitzer prize. I probably should have read it instead of this one.
December 2, 2017
I came to read about the only six star general in US history and learn about the Missourah warrior whom chased Pancho Villa and led the troops in WWI. So I got frustrated when the narrative rambled on and on and on about his wife and children. I get it, he loves his wife and kids. It's no surprise I'm kind of an insensitive moron; just ask my ex wives, children or friends. But I really felt particularly rakish when I was about to quit this book until I read his entire family save for one son were all killed in a fire. Then I stayed to read about the human behind the soldier. Even so it is my humble opinion that Gene Smith along with many other historians and novelists alike could use a good editor. Sometimes less really is more.
August 23, 2017
Not Too Bad
This author perhaps goes a little too far in making Pershing into a marble man, one whose only vice is that he likes women (a lot, though). Would have preferred a more nuanced and objective approach. Still, it was readable and interesting.
This author perhaps goes a little too far in making Pershing into a marble man, one whose only vice is that he likes women (a lot, though). Would have preferred a more nuanced and objective approach. Still, it was readable and interesting.
April 2, 2012
Not enough info about his early life or his parents or siblings. But then perhaps he left it that way. His son and grandchildren certainly were not cut from the same cloth--no wonder they died out.
July 24, 2019
Popular historical writer Gene Smith whose better known works Until The Cheering Stops on the 'presidency' of Edith Wilson and The Shattered Dream about the defeat of Herbert Hoover in 1932
is the author of this book on the life of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World
War I. Or as they called it The World War or the Great War. Immediately after this one was over it
was too horrible to contemplate another one for most people.
John J. Pershing was a kid from Missouri born to Union sympathizing parents in 1860. His earliest
memories were of the Civil War in his state. He took the exam and got into West Point and was assigned to the cavalry in the west at the tail end of the Indian wars. He acquired the name of Black
Jack Pershing when he was an officer in a regiment of black cavalry troopers who were former slaves.
In the 90s stationed in Montana they actually did see action chasing some Assiniboines back to Canada.
For a short time he was assigned as commandant to a military school in Lincoln, Nebraska. When
the Spanish-American War came, Pershing never got there, he was in an encampment in Georgia
when the three month war ended. He did get shipped overseas and saw action during the Phillipine insurrection. It was there he started to rise in rank.
He also courted and wed Frances Warren known as Frankie who was the daughter of US Senator
Francis E. Warren Republican of Wyoming. From all accounts she was a vivacious creature who
put a smile occasionally on her grim husband's face.
That face became almost a mask of grim after Frankie and three small daughters lost their lives in a
fire at the San Francisco Presidio where Pershing was stationed in 1914. Only a small son Warren
Pershing survived the inferno. Pershing's hair turned the white that people remember him having
for the rest of his life.
Pershing was nominally a Republican and sure didn't mind using his father-in-law's connections
in a pinch, but he was not overtly political. For that reason Woodrow Wilson made him commander
of the expedition to Mexico chasing Pancho Villa and later the big job as head of the American
Expeditionary Force in Europe.
Wilson and Pershing were in complete agreement on one thing. The American Army was not to be
split up piece meal and serving as replacements for British and French soldiers. Pershing kept it
intact and training until it was ready.
Pershing was no grand strategist either. At that point though it was a question of chasing the
Germans out of France as their offensive failed and the country was disintegrating at home. The
AEF was applied judiciously and effectively and on 11/11/18 the Great War was over.
Pershing was a glacial personality aloof, right for an image as a commander. But no one including
him ever took the occasional calls to draft him as a presidential candidate seriously.
Pershing served as Chief of Staff during the first years of the 20s. He retired after that and kept in
the public eye through the 30s. Frailty in 1939 got him permanent residence in Walter Reed Army
Hospital until he died in 1948. By that time Pershing was made a six star general, moved up a bit
because of new five stars Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and MacArthur from WW2.
I don't think Gene Smith got to the crux of Pershing's character. I doubt anyone could penetrate
that mask.
is the author of this book on the life of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World
War I. Or as they called it The World War or the Great War. Immediately after this one was over it
was too horrible to contemplate another one for most people.
John J. Pershing was a kid from Missouri born to Union sympathizing parents in 1860. His earliest
memories were of the Civil War in his state. He took the exam and got into West Point and was assigned to the cavalry in the west at the tail end of the Indian wars. He acquired the name of Black
Jack Pershing when he was an officer in a regiment of black cavalry troopers who were former slaves.
In the 90s stationed in Montana they actually did see action chasing some Assiniboines back to Canada.
For a short time he was assigned as commandant to a military school in Lincoln, Nebraska. When
the Spanish-American War came, Pershing never got there, he was in an encampment in Georgia
when the three month war ended. He did get shipped overseas and saw action during the Phillipine insurrection. It was there he started to rise in rank.
He also courted and wed Frances Warren known as Frankie who was the daughter of US Senator
Francis E. Warren Republican of Wyoming. From all accounts she was a vivacious creature who
put a smile occasionally on her grim husband's face.
That face became almost a mask of grim after Frankie and three small daughters lost their lives in a
fire at the San Francisco Presidio where Pershing was stationed in 1914. Only a small son Warren
Pershing survived the inferno. Pershing's hair turned the white that people remember him having
for the rest of his life.
Pershing was nominally a Republican and sure didn't mind using his father-in-law's connections
in a pinch, but he was not overtly political. For that reason Woodrow Wilson made him commander
of the expedition to Mexico chasing Pancho Villa and later the big job as head of the American
Expeditionary Force in Europe.
Wilson and Pershing were in complete agreement on one thing. The American Army was not to be
split up piece meal and serving as replacements for British and French soldiers. Pershing kept it
intact and training until it was ready.
Pershing was no grand strategist either. At that point though it was a question of chasing the
Germans out of France as their offensive failed and the country was disintegrating at home. The
AEF was applied judiciously and effectively and on 11/11/18 the Great War was over.
Pershing was a glacial personality aloof, right for an image as a commander. But no one including
him ever took the occasional calls to draft him as a presidential candidate seriously.
Pershing served as Chief of Staff during the first years of the 20s. He retired after that and kept in
the public eye through the 30s. Frailty in 1939 got him permanent residence in Walter Reed Army
Hospital until he died in 1948. By that time Pershing was made a six star general, moved up a bit
because of new five stars Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and MacArthur from WW2.
I don't think Gene Smith got to the crux of Pershing's character. I doubt anyone could penetrate
that mask.
May 30, 2022
A well written and highly enjoyable biography of General of the Armies John J. Pershing. Follows the career of a man who as a child was witness to a skirmish of the American Civil War, as a young officer fought in the Horse Cavalry against the Sioux, and then lived to preside over the largest expansion of the US Army in history; an expansion that transformed the Army into a force using trucks, automobiles, tanks and aircraft.
In World War One, Pershing's stubborn decision to keep the American Army together instead of integrating them with the British and French Armies was the defining moment of his career. Smith details the hard decisions that Pershing made in personnel, sacking personal friends at the first sign of incompetence, and the heroic and effective actions of his Army in the closing days of the War. But he doesn't cover a lot of other details
Not covered was his argument with President Wilson over the use of Negro troops. Pershing had a high opinion of them, Wilson didn't want his "Crusade" sullied by their presences. Negro divisions were used and assigned to the French Army, that's not covered by Smith. Smith doesn't mention Pershing's order to the Air Service not to use parachutes. He doesn't mention the foolish decision to not adopt the Allies' tactic of attacking in small groups or waves instead of a solid front. And though Smith does dwell on Pershing's displeasure at the decision not to demand Germany's unconditional surrender, the murderous decision of the General not to curtail operations in the run up to Nov. 11th isn't mentioned.
Too much space was given in telling the story of Pershing's son and grandsons.
In World War One, Pershing's stubborn decision to keep the American Army together instead of integrating them with the British and French Armies was the defining moment of his career. Smith details the hard decisions that Pershing made in personnel, sacking personal friends at the first sign of incompetence, and the heroic and effective actions of his Army in the closing days of the War. But he doesn't cover a lot of other details
Not covered was his argument with President Wilson over the use of Negro troops. Pershing had a high opinion of them, Wilson didn't want his "Crusade" sullied by their presences. Negro divisions were used and assigned to the French Army, that's not covered by Smith. Smith doesn't mention Pershing's order to the Air Service not to use parachutes. He doesn't mention the foolish decision to not adopt the Allies' tactic of attacking in small groups or waves instead of a solid front. And though Smith does dwell on Pershing's displeasure at the decision not to demand Germany's unconditional surrender, the murderous decision of the General not to curtail operations in the run up to Nov. 11th isn't mentioned.
Too much space was given in telling the story of Pershing's son and grandsons.
May 1, 2022
Interesting topic but the writing was uneven and there was little historical analysis.
October 4, 2024
Pershing's life was interesting from a historical standpoint, and I enjoyed finding about more about it. I found Smith's style rather banal; he only seemed to engage with his biographical subject at the surface level.
November 18, 2009
Good overall biography, but more on his WW I years would have been useful, with perhaps less on his son and grandsons lives years after he died.
September 10, 2012
Another great soldier, yet not as great to me as General George C Marshall. He was, however, the only other General of the Armies since General Washington.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews