General of the Armies John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (September 13, 1860 – July 15, 1948), was a general officer in the United States Army. He led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Pershing is the only person to be promoted in his own lifetime to the highest rank ever held in the United States Army. The rank is known as General of the Armies. (a retroactive Congressional edict passed in 1976 promoted George Washington to the same rank but with higher seniority). Pershing holds the first United States officer service number (O-1). He was regarded as a mentor by the generation of American generals who led the United States Army in Europe during World War II. These include George C. Marshall, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar N. Bradley, and George S. Patton.
John J. Pershing
Questions and Answers
Q: Who was John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing?
A: John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing was a general officer in the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I.
Q: What is General of the Armies?
A: General of the Armies is the highest rank ever held in the United States Army. John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing is the only person to be promoted in his own lifetime to this rank.
Q: Was George Washington also promoted to General of the Armies in the United States Army?
A: Yes, a retroactive Congressional edict passed in 1976 promoted George Washington to the same rank but with higher seniority.
Q: What was John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing's officer service number?
A: John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing holds the first United States officer service number (O-1).
Q: Who were the American generals who considered John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing a mentor?
A: The American generals who considered John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing a mentor include George C. Marshall, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar N. Bradley, and George S. Patton.
Q: Did John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing lead the United States Army in Europe during World War II?
A: No, John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing did not lead the United States Army in Europe during World War II. However, he was regarded as a mentor by the generation of American generals who did lead the army during that time.
Q: When was John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing born and when did he die?
A: John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing was born on September 13, 1860, and he died on July 15, 1948.