John J. Pershing (KI) Nick Attkisson

John Pershing was a commander of American Expeditionary force (AEF). Him and his group of soldiers went to Paris on July 4^th, 1917. They went to Picpus cemetery where Lafayette was buried. France helped the United States gain their freedom now they were going to help preserve theirs. British and French commanders wanted to be in command over the American soldiers and Pershing didn’t approve. President Wilson backed him up on that. French and British needed Americans to replace their losses; Pershing held his ground but made one change. The 93^rd infantry, an African American division, was transferred to the French. They became the first unit of Americans to go into war.