Commander Of American Forces In World War 1

John J. Pershing was born Septemeber 13, 1860, near Laclede, Missouri. He was decorated for bravery in the Spanish American War, 1898. He led the American forces in World War 1. He died on July 15, 1948, in Washington D.C.

TRAINIG SOLDIERS

Pershing had to create America's  World War 1 army---the American Expeditionary Force---from scratch. Raw recruits were trained aboard ships on the way to France. At first there were not enough rifles, and some soldiers drilled with broomsticks instead.

A NEW RANK

After World War 1, Pershing was named General of the Armies. He was the first person in American history to hold that title.

A PULITZER PRIZE

In 1931, Pershing wrote his memoirs, (My Experiences in the World War). The book won a Pulitzer Prize and is considered an outstanding history of Americas role in the War.