1860–1948
General John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing was the Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I. He led roughly two million American soldiers in France from 1917 to 1919 and is one of the most important figures in American military history.
Pershing arrived in France in June 1917 and immediately set about building the AEF into a fighting force. He insisted that American troops be trained as an independent army rather than being fed piecemeal into British and French units — a decision that caused friction with the Allies but ultimately shaped the American contribution to the war.
The AEF established its main training area in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, centered around Gondrecourt, Neufchâteau, and Chaumont (where Pershing placed his headquarters). This is the same area where Margaret Sheldon and the Salvation Army set up their first huts in late 1917.
Pershing commanded the great Meuse-Argonne Offensive (September 26 – November 11, 1918), the largest battle in American military history, which Margaret witnessed firsthand from Varennes-en-Argonne and the surrounding villages. After the Armistice, Pershing oversaw the American occupation of the Rhineland, headquartered in Koblenz, Germany — the final destination of Margaret’s January 1919 tour.
Margaret mentions Pershing several times in her diary, reflecting the respect AEF support workers had for their commanding general. After the war, Pershing was promoted to General of the Armies — the highest rank possible — and remained a towering figure in American public life until his death in 1948.
Diary of a World War I Donut Girl 