John J. Pershing Quotes & Sayings

The deadliest weapon in the world is a MARINE and his rifle! — John J. Pershing

Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines. — John J. Pershing

A competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops, while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops. — John J. Pershing

The World War demonstrated the importance of Field Artillery. The majority of casualties were inflicted by the arm. — John J. Pershing

The point I wish to make is that those things cause the soldier to remember that the people at home are behind him. You do not know how much that is going to mean to us who are going abroad. You do not know how much that means to any soldier who is over there carrying the flag for his country. That is the point which should be uppermost in the minds of those who are working for the soldier. — John J. Pershing

To get the best out of your men, they must feel that you are their real leader and must know that they can depend upon you. — John J. Pershing

Your Marines having been under my command for nearly six months, I feel that I can give you a discriminating report as to their excellent standing with their brothers of the army and their general good conduct. — John J. Pershing

The representatives of business interests are the men to start this enterprise among our people and bring them to a full realization of the very grave seriousness of this war, to make them feel that we are in this war to win, and the probability is that our entering this war is going to be the deciding factor, and that the burden of the success is going to rest upon the United States. — John J. Pershing

In each succeeding war there is a tendency to proclaim as something new the principles under which it is conducted. Not only those who have never studied or experienced the realities of war, but also professional soldiers frequently fall into the error. But the principles of warfare as I learned them at West Point remain unchanged. — John J. Pershing

Infantry, Artillery, Aviation
all that we have
are yours to dispose of as you will ... I have come to say to you that the American people would be proud to be engaged in the greatest battle in history. — John J. Pershing

No commander was ever privileged to lead a finer force; no commander ever derived greater inspiration from the performance of his troops. — John J. Pershing