Letter to United States Forces, 1919, from Commander in Chief

• November 24, 2017 17:25:58 Thomas A. Lingner

  G.H.Q.

  AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES,
  

  General Orders
  

  No. 38-A
  

  France, February 28, 1919
  

  
  

  My fellow soldiers:
  

    Now that your service with the American Expeditionary Forces is about to
  

  terminate, I can not let you go without a personal word. At the call to arms,
  

  the patriotic young manhood of America eagerly responded and became the
  

  formidable army whose decisive victories testify to its efficiency and its valor.
  

  With the support of the nation firmly united to defend the cause of liberty,
  

  our army has executed the will of the people with resolute purpose. Our democracy
  

  has been tested, and the forces of autocracy have been defeated. To the
  

  glory of the citizen-soldier, our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust, and
  

  in a succession of brilliant offensives, have overcome the menace to our civilization.
  

    As an individual, your part in the world war has been an important one in
  

  the sum total of our achievements. Whether keeping lonely vigil in the trenches,
  

  or gallantly storming the enemy's stronghold; whether enduring monotonous
  

  drudgery at the rear, or sustaining the fighting line at the front, each has
  

  bravely and efficiently played his part. By willing sacrifice of personal rights;
  

  by cheerful endurance of hardship and privation; by vigor, strength and indomitable
  

  will, made effective by thorough organization and cordial co-operation,
  

  you inspired the war-worn Allies with new life and turned the tide of
  

  threatened defeat into overwhelming victory.
  

    With a consecrated devotion to duty and a will to conquer, you have loyally
  

  served your country. By your exemplary conduct a standard has been
  

  established and maintained never before attained by any army. With mind
  

  and body clean and strong as the decisive blows you delivered against the
  

  foe, you are soon to return to the pursuits of peace. In leaving the scenes
  

  of your victories, may I ask that you carry home your high ideals and continue
  

  to live as you have served - an honor to the principles for which you
  

  have fought and to the fallen comrades you leave behind.
  

    It is with pride in our success that I extend to you my sincere thanks for
  

  your splendid service to the army and to the nation.
  

  Faithfully,
  

  John J. Pershing
  

  Commander in Chief
  

  
  

  Official:
  

  Robert C. Davis
  

  Adjutant General
  

  
  

  Copy furnished to William J. McNamara Priv.
  

  A. B. 305 Ml Bn
  

  

  Commanding
  

  
  

  • Revert to this revision
• November 24, 2017 17:25:52 Thomas A. Lingner

  G.H.Q.

  AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES,
  

  General Orders
  

  No. 38-A
  

  France, February 28, 1919
  

  
  

  My fellow soldiers:
  

    Now that your service with the American Expeditionary Forces is about to
  

  terminate, I can not let you go without a personal word. At the call to arms,
  

  the patriotic young manhood of America eagerly responded and became the
  

  formidable army whose decisive victories testify to its efficiency and its valor.
  

  With the support of the nation firmly united to defend the cause of liberty,
  

  our army has executed the will of the people with resolute purpose. Our democracy
  

  has been tested, and the forces of autocracy have been defeated. To the
  

  glory of the citizen-soldier, our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust, and
  

  in a succession of brilliant offensives, have overcome the menace to our civilization.
  

    As an individual, your part in the world war has been an important one in
  

  the sum total of our achievements. Whether keeping lonely vigil in the trenches,
  

  or gallantly storming the enemy's stronghold; whether enduring monotonous
  

  drudgery at the rear, or sustaining the fighting line at the front, each has
  

  bravely and efficiently played his part. By willing sacrifice of personal rights;
  

  by cheerful endurance of hardship and privation; by vigor, strength and indomitable
  

  will, made effective by thorough organization and cordial co-operation,
  

  you inspired the war-worn Allies with new life and turned the tide of
  

  threatened defeat into overwhelming victory.
  

    With a consecrated devotion to duty and a will to conquer, you have loyally
  

  served your country. By your exemplary conduct a standard has been
  

  established and maintained never before attained by any army. With mind
  

  and body clean and strong as the decisive blows you delivered against the
  

  foe, you are soon to return to the pursuits of peace. In leaving the scenes
  

  of your victories, may I ask that you carry home your high ideals and continue
  

  to live as you have served - an honor to the principles for which you
  

  have fought and to the fallen comrades you leave behind.
  

    It is with pride in our success that I extend to you my sincere thanks for
  

  your splendid service to the army and to the nation.
  

  Faithfully,
  

  John J. Pershing
  

  Commander in Chief
  

  
  

  Official:
  

  Robert C. Davis
  

  Adjutant General
  

  
  

  Copy furnished to William J. McNamara Priv.
  

  A. B. 305 Ml Bn
  

  
  

  Commanding
  

  
  

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