What do you think?
Rate this book
My Experiences in the World War, Vol. 2
Book by Pershing, John Joseph
436 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
5 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
John Joseph Pershing
24 books10 followersGeneral of the Armies John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing was a senior United States Army officer, most famous as the commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) on the Western Front in World War I, 1917–18.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 13, 2017
The first Pulitzer Prize was awarded in 1917. This book won the 1932 Pulitzer Prize in History which is unusual for a memoir by a military person.
This book is less about battle tactics and more about how the Allied High Commands dealt with the USA joining the War. One of the key items revealed in the memoir was Pershing ‘s difficulty in getting the Army bureaucracy back in the States to effectively support the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Pershing’s other problem was keeping control of the U.S. forces. The British and French wanted to put US solders into their ranks to fill their decimated Armies. The military and civilian leadership put enormous pressure on Pershing to integrate our forces into the British and French Armies. But Pershing fought to keep the Army separate and under U.S. officers.
I noted that Pershing recorded his continuous focus on logistics and supplies. I noted the same thing in General Patton’s memoires. Pershing had over 100,000 U.S. solders on the front lines that required ammo, food, clothing, hospital and required ports, railways and trucks to get the supplies delivered.
The book is well written. Pershing had an entry from his diary, then went on to explain in depth what was happening with the diary entry. Pershing wrote in an even-handed manner but the fact he was an American came through. He did not state anything negative about anyone. Pershing implied that the modern general must be a diplomat as well as a military leader.
The two books were 800 pages long and published in 1931. The book is in two volumes with maps and pictures. I read the first volume as a hardback book. I read volume two at 448 pages as an e-book on my Kindle app for my iPad.
This book is less about battle tactics and more about how the Allied High Commands dealt with the USA joining the War. One of the key items revealed in the memoir was Pershing ‘s difficulty in getting the Army bureaucracy back in the States to effectively support the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Pershing’s other problem was keeping control of the U.S. forces. The British and French wanted to put US solders into their ranks to fill their decimated Armies. The military and civilian leadership put enormous pressure on Pershing to integrate our forces into the British and French Armies. But Pershing fought to keep the Army separate and under U.S. officers.
I noted that Pershing recorded his continuous focus on logistics and supplies. I noted the same thing in General Patton’s memoires. Pershing had over 100,000 U.S. solders on the front lines that required ammo, food, clothing, hospital and required ports, railways and trucks to get the supplies delivered.
The book is well written. Pershing had an entry from his diary, then went on to explain in depth what was happening with the diary entry. Pershing wrote in an even-handed manner but the fact he was an American came through. He did not state anything negative about anyone. Pershing implied that the modern general must be a diplomat as well as a military leader.
The two books were 800 pages long and published in 1931. The book is in two volumes with maps and pictures. I read the first volume as a hardback book. I read volume two at 448 pages as an e-book on my Kindle app for my iPad.
January 26, 2026
A while ago I read Jeff Shaara's historical novel about World War I entitled "To The Last Man". One of the main characters was General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing. That induced me to learn about General Pershing and to read his memoir "My Experiences In The World War, Volumes 1 & 2".
This memoir includes excerpts from Pershing's diary and provides a concise record of his experiences in his role , providing insight into the war told from the American perspective. It also delves into his leadership style and decision-making processes during the war, shedding light on the challenges and successes that he faced.
Pershing's memoir is a valuable resource for anyone interested in World War I or military history in general. His writing style is engaging and gives readers a firsthand account of the events that took place during the war. The inclusion of personal diary entries adds an intimate touch to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with Pershing on a more personal level.
Aside from being a historical record, "My Experiences In The World War" also offers lessons and insights that are still relevant today. Pershing's leadership lessons can be applied not only in military operations but also in other areas such as business management and teamwork. His determination, adaptability, and strategic thinking are qualities that can inspire individuals to overcome challenges and achieve success.
One of the major challenges that Pershing faced was the lack of resources and support from his own government. At the start of World War I, the United States military was ill-prepared for a large-scale conflict, with a small army and outdated equipment. Despite these obstacles, Pershing managed to build an efficient fighting force through his leadership skills and perseverance. He also forged alliances with other countries, such as France and Britain, which proved crucial in achieving victory.
Another significant challenge discussed in his memoir is the opposition he faced from political leaders and other generals who did not agree with his strategies. However, Pershing remained steadfast in his decisions and ultimately proved them to be successful. His determination and unwavering commitment to the cause were key factors in his success as a military leader.
Pershing's leadership style was also instrumental in his triumphs on the battlefield. He was known for being strict but fair, earning the respect and trust of his troops. This allowed him to effectively train and motivate them, resulting in highly disciplined soldiers who were prepared for the challenges of war.
Furthermore, Pershing was not afraid to take risks. One of his most daring moves was sending American troops into combat without any prior experience or training. This decision paid off as the American forces quickly adapted and became formidable fighters.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Pershing's personal character also played a significant role in his success. He was known for his integrity, honesty, and self-discipline. These traits earned him the admiration of not only his soldiers but also his superiors.
This memoir includes excerpts from Pershing's diary and provides a concise record of his experiences in his role , providing insight into the war told from the American perspective. It also delves into his leadership style and decision-making processes during the war, shedding light on the challenges and successes that he faced.
Pershing's memoir is a valuable resource for anyone interested in World War I or military history in general. His writing style is engaging and gives readers a firsthand account of the events that took place during the war. The inclusion of personal diary entries adds an intimate touch to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with Pershing on a more personal level.
Aside from being a historical record, "My Experiences In The World War" also offers lessons and insights that are still relevant today. Pershing's leadership lessons can be applied not only in military operations but also in other areas such as business management and teamwork. His determination, adaptability, and strategic thinking are qualities that can inspire individuals to overcome challenges and achieve success.
One of the major challenges that Pershing faced was the lack of resources and support from his own government. At the start of World War I, the United States military was ill-prepared for a large-scale conflict, with a small army and outdated equipment. Despite these obstacles, Pershing managed to build an efficient fighting force through his leadership skills and perseverance. He also forged alliances with other countries, such as France and Britain, which proved crucial in achieving victory.
Another significant challenge discussed in his memoir is the opposition he faced from political leaders and other generals who did not agree with his strategies. However, Pershing remained steadfast in his decisions and ultimately proved them to be successful. His determination and unwavering commitment to the cause were key factors in his success as a military leader.
Pershing's leadership style was also instrumental in his triumphs on the battlefield. He was known for being strict but fair, earning the respect and trust of his troops. This allowed him to effectively train and motivate them, resulting in highly disciplined soldiers who were prepared for the challenges of war.
Furthermore, Pershing was not afraid to take risks. One of his most daring moves was sending American troops into combat without any prior experience or training. This decision paid off as the American forces quickly adapted and became formidable fighters.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Pershing's personal character also played a significant role in his success. He was known for his integrity, honesty, and self-discipline. These traits earned him the admiration of not only his soldiers but also his superiors.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews