Review of "Pershing - Commander of the Great War"

Title: “Pershing – Commander of the Great War” by John Perry

 This book is the story of General John J. Pershing, a U.S. army officer who is little known, but was of caliber of George Washington, Eisenhower, and Patton.  The book portrays him as a very strict man who demanded much of those under his command, but this was probably what made him the general that he was, the only U.S. army officer to be commissioned General of the Armies during his lifetime.  Incidentally, George Washington is the only other person to also be commissioned General of the Armies, but he was done so 150 years posthumously.

I found “Pershing” to be interesting, especially for a person who normally prefers fiction.  There were moments when it got a little slow and dry, but that is to be expected.  I did not have too much of a problem with some of the other complaints of General Pershing being described as harsh in one moment and a kind and good person in a different situation.  To me, General Pershing came across as being well compartmentalized in what he did, separating work from family life and from social life.  I don’t think anyone’s perfect, so I do think it’s plausible for a good person to still have flaws and personal struggles.  It was really impressive to me to read about all the things that Pershing accomplished and did as a General, which I believe saved millions of soldiers lives.  I think he is definitely a General worthy of respect and honor and more people should read this book to understand the history of the U.S. better, because he had such a profound impact on how the military operates and functions today, as well as the outcome of WWI and other wars.

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