Pershing, Commander of the Great War by John Perry

I love finding “Hidden Heroes” to share with you all, that’s why when I was given the opportunity to read “Pershing, Commander of the Great War” by John Perry, I jumped at the chance!  

I could go on and on about this courageous man, but you don’t have the time to read the many wonderful things this man stood for and all he did for our country. While I cannot attest to the validity of the historical facts, I can say without a doubt this book is an easy read that is well thought-out and articulated.   

John J. Pershing is a man misunderstood by many and forgotten by even more.  A man of valor, a man who understood the cost of doing what was right and not what was easy. 

Repeatedly, he took the higher road when dealing with those of different cultures and ethnicities instead of the broader road his contemporaries traveled. Such as when he dealt with the Native American’s in New Mexico and the Moro’s in the Philippines, he treated them with respect, taking his time to get to know them and understand their cultures instead of bullying them to subject to his authority.  

He took pride in commanding an all black cavalry despite the taunting jeers from his colleagues who called him “Nigger Jack”.  He was humble when given praise, declining the opportunity to be considered for the Medal of Honor.  He was courageous in defying the French and British governments who relentlessly pressured him to send his troops into battle before they were ready.  And he methodically scrutinized the smallest details in order to have a fully operational and optimally functioning military unit.  Combining his education, intellect and past military experiences, he brought warfare out of civil war era and into a new century full of modernized weaponry and military tactics.  He implemented the first encounter in America’s history that combined areas of infantry, artillery and air support in WWI.

He was a devoted father, husband and friend and while few knew this side of him, the ones who did spoke very highly of him.  He was able to keep his professional life separate from his private, something few of us are able to do.  He took pride in his work as well as his leisure and embraced every opportunity to the fullest. 

Yet for all of this, he is barely remembered.  I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn about this man.  I plan on reading more about him in the future.   I recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about one of America’s forgotten heroes.  Pershing was a man among men and one we can all learn from today.  Anyone looking for a leader worth learning from should read about this courageous commander and man!    

 I thank BookSneeze and the publisher for allowing me to preview this book by providing me with a complimentary copy.  

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest opinion after reading, which is what I have done.  This disclosure is in alignment with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”