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Primary sourceDocument3-4 September 1919

Pershing 1919 Commission as General of the Armies

United States Department of War · 3-4 September 1919

The official commission signed by President Wilson in 1919 appointing Pershing General, a rank no other American held in his own lifetime.

This commission, signed by President Wilson, formally made Pershing General of the Armies after his AEF command.

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Scanned black-and-white commission document headed 'The President of the United States of America' with an engraved eagle, a banner reading 'To all who shall see these presents greeting,' and a signature block. Text names John J. Pershing as General.
Commission of General John J. Pershing, issued by President Woodrow Wilson, 3-4 September 1919.

About this source

What it is

This is the formal commission issued by the United States Department of War and signed by President Woodrow Wilson on September 3-4, 1919, appointing John J. Pershing to the rank of General. It bears the engraved eagle seal and the signature of Secretary of War Newton Baker.

Why it matters

This document marks the formal recognition of Pershing's leadership of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The commission, with its official seal and careful legal language, shows how the government formally honored military leadership at the highest level.

Look closer

  • What words in the document show how seriously the government treated military rank and obedience?
  • Why might a government choose to give such a rare rank to one general?
  • What does this formal document NOT tell you about what Pershing actually did to earn it?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of General John J. Pershing on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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