"Black Jack’s War – How John Pershing Fought to Keep ..." Topic

…America's Army Independent in WW1.

"THE BATTLE OF Saint-Mihiel is considered by many to be the United States' most important operation of the First World War. The 100-hour offensive, which began on Sept. 12, 1918, marked the American Expeditionary Forces' (AEF) true baptism of fire. More than half a million troops took part in the attack, which was the brainchild of the commander of all U.S. forces in France, General John Pershing. The celebrated leader of the famous 1916 Pancho Villa Expedition hoped that the the operation would see 12 fresh American divisions blast their way through the lines in the Lorraine region and rush deep into German-held territory. Although the operation failed to deliver the knock-out blow Pershing hoped for, the damage dealt to the enemy was considerable. More importantly, the Saint-Mihiel Offensive demonstrated the power of American arms. Pershing's largely novice army had taken on a battle-hardened foe and prevailed, proving beyond all doubt that the United States was indeed a world power. Yet despite its historic significance, the operation very nearly didn't take place. Both British and French generals scoffed at Pershing's plan and tried to derail it at every turn. Worse, top brass in both countries sought to break the AEF up and use its troops as replacements for their own exhausted armies. Yet Pershing doggedly resisted all calls to turn his soldiers over to foreign commanders where they'd likely be sacrificed as cannon fodder. Author and past MHN contributor Mitchell Yockelson takes us through the general's struggle to save America's army in France during the war's final bloody year…."
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Amicalement
Armand

Oh dear. The British and French generals did not scoff at Pershing's plan. Rather, they were wanting him to coordinate with the main plan of attack on the Western Front. The Saint-Mihiel offensive was fought against a foe that knew it was coming. The Germans launched a pre-emptive withdrawal from the salient and then fought a limited holding action that Pershing's forces were able to overcome. The real test of Pershing's army was not until the Meuse-Argonne offensive, which proved to be much harder. As for Pershing resisting 'all calls to turn his soldiers over… where they'd likely sacrificed as cannon fodder', he showed himself capable of delivering the same level of sacrifice.

There wasn't a great 'struggle to save America's army in France…' The Canadian and Australian contingents had already set such precedents as were required.

Robert