Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt marked Veterans Day on November 11, 2025, by posting a series of tweets highlighting the military career and legacy of General John J. Pershing, a Missouri native who played a pivotal role in World War I.

In his first post, Schmitt described Pershing’s assignment at the start of U.S. involvement in World War I: "When the U.S. entered World War I, Wilson turned to General Pershing to command the American Expeditionary Forces. His task: forge a small, untested army into a world-class fighting force capable of standing with the Allies to turn the tide of the war." (November 11, 2025)

Schmitt continued by referencing Pershing’s influence after World War I: "Later in his life, General Pershing would serve as a mentor to America's top generals in World War II, including fellow Missourian General Omar Bradley. On this Veterans Day, we remember General Pershing—and every Missourian who’s answered the call to serve." (November 11, 2025)

In another tweet posted moments later, Schmitt emphasized Pershing's leadership and recognition by Congress: "By the war’s end in 1918, over 2 million Americans had served in Europe under General Pershing’s command. His leadership was decisive to Allied victory. In 1919, Congress created a special rank just for him: “General of the Armies of the United States"—considered a sixth-star." (November 11, 2025)

General John J. Pershing is recognized as one of America’s most significant military leaders from Missouri. He led American forces during World War I and later mentored prominent generals such as Omar Bradley during World War II. The honorary rank "General of the Armies," created for him by Congress in 1919, is regarded as one of the highest possible ranks ever awarded to an officer in U.S. history.

Senator Eric Schmitt represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate.