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As Marines, we're quite fond of General John J. Pershing. He both loved and hated us, an effect we're quite fond of having on people. But this isn't about the Marines, this is about John J. Pershing and how badass this American warrior was. Pershing's military career started at Westpoint where he earned honor after honor and praises heaped upon him by his superiors. He was only just getting started. He graduated in 1885 and was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.After several years in the Army and various posts, Pershing had seen the world and been in many many battles. He was an accomplished military commander and promoted way ahead of his peers. This did not sit well with many officers in the Army who at the time were promoted based on seniority and not merit. Oh, boy were they pissed when President Roosevelt promoted him from the rank of Captain to the rank of Brigadier General in 1905, skipping the ranks of Major, Lt. Colonel and Colonel.
Perhaps the most peculiar action of Pershing was when he was nominated to receive the Medal of Honor after actions in the Philippine-American War. He wrote a letter saying that he shouldn't receive the award. It had already been voted down by the time the letter was received, but that's a pretty humble guy if you ask us. That same action that earned a nomination for the Medal of Honor, earned him a recommendation for the Distinguished Service Cross in 1922, but at the time, General Pershing who was the Army Chief of Staff, used his powers to nip that award in the bud as well. However, General Pershing wouldn't be able to out-veto President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1940 for those actions.The man was a consummate professional and soldier above all else, we've got a lot more to say about this great American, look for more about him in the coming weeks.Read more stories of American Grit:
