Pershing, John Joseph

Early Military Career

Pershing was born in rural Missouri in 1860, the son of a small shopkeeper and farmer. Although he was unsure about a military career, Pershing enrolled at the United States Military Academy to finish his education. Although only an average student at West Point, he excelled in his military duties to the extent that he was chosen as senior cadet captain, the school's highest military honor. Lieutenant Pershing served with distinction in the 6th Cavalry on the American western frontier. He won a commendation from Gen. Nelson Miles during the final campaign against Chief Geronimo and the Apache. These achievements earned him the command of the Sioux Scouts, which he led during the battle of Wounded Knee. His Indianfighting career earned Pershing a reputation for organizational efficiency and personal bravery.

This service also provided the context in which Pershing gained his famous nickname of ”Black Jack,” a reference to his outspoken support of African American troops. Contrary [Page 624]to existing racial prejudices, Pershing argued that African Americans could make good soldiers, given what he saw on the frontier. Pershing's new moniker was far from complimentary; indeed, in some circles, he was known as ”Nigger Jack” Pershing, which the press eventually softened because of the general's prestige. These epithets reflected the Army's prevailing attitudes toward African Americans as well as personal animosity for Pershing—the result of his reputation as a strict disciplinarian.

Pershing served briefly at West Point as an instructor in cavalry tactics, but returned to field service during the Spanish–American War. As a captain in the 10th Cavalry, he again demonstrated coolness under fire that drew the attention of none other than Theodore Roosevelt. In 1899, Pershing was transferred to the Philippine Islands where he helped to put down the Muslim Moro insurrection. During this episode, Pershing demonstrated another key quality that marked his career, an ability to work with soldiers of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds than his own. Pershing prepared to lead indigenous troops by studying the Koran and learning their dialects. Still only a captain, Pershing commanded five troops of cavalry and a battalion of infantry and artillery in the battle to take the Moro stronghold at Lake Lanao.

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