| During the years 1895-1896, he was assigned to the 10th
Cavalry, a unit of the Buffalo Soldiers in Montana. His nickname, "Black
Jack" dates from this service. It became both a subtle accolade, and derogation
to the Buffalo Soldiers he fought with and praised. That was an improvement
over the "Nigger Jack" which West Point cadets called him. General Pershing's
time spent leading black soldiers significantly affected him throughout
his military career. He remained deeply concerned with their well being
and was instrumental in getting the black organizations into combat rather
than being relegated to support operations in the rear.
In April, 1898, Pershing was assigned to the 10th Cavalry and fought
at El Carney-San Juan Hill. He won a Silver Star for his gallantry in his
charge up San Juan Hill. Between 1899 and 1903, Pershing was assigned to
the Philippines in Northern Mindanao during the Moro campaign. After years
of service in the Philippines, Pershing reported to the Presidio of San
Francisco in 1913 for assignment in case the war with Mexico broke out.
In early 1914, Pershing patrolled the Mexican Border, with the Buffalo
Soldiers, leaving his wife and his four young children in quarters at the
Presidio of San Francisco. A huge fire destroyed Pershing Presidio quarters
in 1915 killing Mrs. Pershing and the three little girls. Only his son
Warren survived.
In March of 1915, Pershing led an expedition into Mexico to capture
Pancho Villa. Pershing organized and commanded the Mexican Punitive Expedition,
a combined armed force of 10,000 men that penetrated 350 miles into Mexico
and routed General Pancho Villa's revolutionaries, severely wounding Villa
himself. |
