John J. Pershing: The Iron General

A profile of Gen. John J. Pershing, who led American troops to victory in World War I, includes a look at his personal tragedies; and his Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Among those commenting are historians and retired members of the military., John J. Pershing was the military man par excellence: brave, loyal, steadfast, and persevering. This program chronicles his remarkable career, from his early days as an Indian fighter in the western territories, to his leadership of American soldiers in the historic Meuse Argonne offensive at the close of WWI. Never had the world seen such an assemblage of military might, comprised of some 4 million men. Archival film footage shows the terrible battle in the trenches in France. Interviews with those closest to the general talk of his hidden sorrow, and how the memory of his losses spurred him on.