Gen. John J. Pershing, commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, inspects Soldiers of the 37th Division near Alencon, France during World War I.
On this day in Ohio National Guard history
General Pershing visits 37th Division
Photos and video courtesy of Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections
On Jan. 28, 1919, the 37th Division was inspected by Gen. John J. Pershing, commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, near Alencon, France during World War I. The 37th Division history describes the day’s activities:
“On 28th January every unit of the division was drawn up on the level parade ground near Alencon. Every man was as spick and span as days of work with all means at the disposal of the troops could make him. After the general had decorated a large number of the men with the Distinguished Service Cross he inspected the entire division. The units stood for hours while the keen-eyed soldier walked rapidly in front of rank after rank, looking over every man. At times he would step in front of some soldier with a wound chevron on his sleeve and would inquire kindly as to where and how he was wounded. After the inspection the division passed in review to the music of a huge band made up of the consolidated bands of the entire division.”
Gen. John J. Pershing at presentation and review ceremonies of the 37th Division near Alencon, France.
Reviewing troops of the 37th Division near Alencon, France during World War I are Maj. Gen. Charles Farnsworth (from left), 37th Division commanding general, Gen. John J. Pershing, commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, Maj. Gen. G.W. Read, 2nd Army Corps commanding general, and officers and men of the division decorated for bravery.
Gen. John J. Pershing stops to talk with Soldiers of the 37th Division at a presentation and review ceremony near Alencon, France.
