Pershing: General of the Armies

Pershing #2

by Donald Smythe

The product of nearly 25 years of research, Pershing: General of the Armies remains one of the most authoritative biographies of the man known as "Black Jack." Newly appointed head of the American Expeditionary Forces, Pershing sailed for Europe in May 1917. Once in France, he set about the task of building an army. By October the Americans were at the front and over the next year became involved in increasingly significant battles, all vividly recounted here: Cantigny, Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Mihiel, and the 47-day slugfest in the Meuse-Argonne. Although the impact of the American forces on the outcome of the war has been much debated, there is no question that the troops acquitted themselves well under Pershing's command. Pershing's postwar life included an unsuccessful run for president, a stint as Chief of Staff, and a secret romance with a French woman 34 years younger than he; nonetheless, his influence as a leader extended into World War II.

Genres: Biography, Military History, History, World War I

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Rev. Donald W. Smythe, S.J. (1927-1988) was Professor of History at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Reviews

[Clayton Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read about a great American General. This particular book deals more with his war time experiences than with either his pre WWI life or the times after WWI. These times are gone over quickly. I would have liked to have read more about his earlier life and life after the war. This was and still is a great overall read about the war years and the hard times he faced. Anyone interest in the war to end all wars should read this book.