Meuse Argonne - Black Jack, Pt 1

This episode of the Battles of the First World War podcast focuses on the early life and career of General John J. Pershing, later commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). It details Pershing's upbringing in Missouri, his early military experiences in the West, and his time with the African American 10th Cavalry, which earned him the nickname "Blackjack." The episode recounts Pershing's service in the Spanish-American War and the Philippines, where he developed skills in both military and political administration. A significant portion covers the tragic loss of his wife and daughters in a fire and his subsequent leadership of the punitive expedition into Mexico. The episode concludes with Pershing's appointment to lead the AEF, setting the stage for his role in World War I.