John J. Pershing

About

Decorated U.S. Army officer who served in World War I. He was the first man to be promoted, while still living, to the rank of General of the Armies.

Before Fame

He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point because the quality of education there was better than anything he could find in his native Missouri.

Trivia

Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles was named after him.

Family Life

His son, Colonel Francis Warren Pershing, was an advisor to the Army Chief of Staff during World War II.

Associated With

He was a mentor of Dwight D. Eisenhower.