Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt posted a series of tweets on November 11, 2025, highlighting the life and military career of John Joseph Pershing. The posts focus on Pershing's upbringing, education at West Point, and notable moments in his service.

In one tweet dated November 11, 2025, Schmitt wrote: "Pershing graduated from @WestPoint_USMA in 1886.

Early on, he was known for discipline, fairness, and demanding the same of his men.

His West Point classmates saw him as serious and focused—a natural leader even then."

Another post from the same day states: "John Joseph Pershing was born on the eve of the American Civil War in 1860 near Laclede, Missouri, the son of a small-town merchant.

Growing up on the frontier, he learned hard work, perseverance, and the American identity—traits that would follow him his entire career."

A third tweet describes Pershing’s international military experience: "Pershing’s career spanned continents.

He fought at San Juan Hill in Cuba alongside Theodore Roosevelt.

He then led operations in the Philippines—where he won praise for combining strength with diplomacy to bring stability to Moro provinces."

John J. Pershing is recognized as one of America's most prominent military leaders. He commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I and is remembered for his leadership style and strategic acumen. Pershing's experiences in Cuba and the Philippines were formative to his approach in later conflicts. Senator Eric Schmitt represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate; Missouri is also Pershing's home state.