MILITARY LEADERS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE AMERICAN MILITARY TRADITION, AMERICAN CULTURE, AMERICAN WAY OF WAR, AND THE EXHIBITING OF CHRISTIAN VALUES

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HIUS 380– Spring B02
March 11, 2016

The United States of America has exemplary Divisions of Armed Forces where many outstanding members have stood courageous and resilient in their service to this country and the protection of others. General John J. Pershing, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and General Matthew B. Ridgway are three of the military leaders which this paper will depict and associate while expounding upon the way each contributed to the American Military Tradition. Continuing in how these individuals were or were not representative of an American culture or an American Way of War as interpreted in this course of study. Also, an opinion will be offered regarding such persons as to whether or not each was an appropriate Christian role model. No matter the similitudes or dissimilarities of the individuals each will prove to be distinguished and accomplished in their innovative and outstanding leadership and service to this country. Military Tradition in the United States of America is a frequent reference to relationship and affiliation through the ancestral line of a serviceman and an individual’s advancements and accomplishments as soldiers. American Military Tradition will endeavor itself to change as new technologies and ideologies transpire. The reflection of change or enhancement will reveal through the commands of the three leaders General Pershing, General Eisenhower, and General Ridgway. John Joseph Pershing John J. Pershing (1860 - 1948) was born September 13, 1860, in the town of Laclede, Linn County, Missouri. John “Black Jack” Pershing known throughout his life as one of dogged determination, ambition, perseverance and right values. Pershing “learned to bear the yoke in his youth” and accepted the position of protector at a young age to stand for others who were being bullied. Pershing’s formative years were filled with the desire and determination to acquire an excellent education. He attends “a local "select school" for intelligent youth” and afterward furthered his education at a secondary school. Following Pershing graduation, he began teaching African American children while continuing his education “at the State Normal School” while on summer break. . While attending the State Normal School, he sustained his prior “steady, methodical methods, doing well, but not being looked upon as an exceptionally bright student.” He still exhibited the same tenacious, dependable, assiduous, fruitful student he had continuously been, At the age of twenty-one, in the year 1882, Pershing desiring to continue his education submitted an application to West Point for the very reason that it furnished an elite college level education although Pershing was only marginally interested in the military field. While attending West Point Pershing proved himself a natural-born leader and became president four years running as well as satisfying the position of the first captain of the 1886 class of West Point. After graduating, he returned to the military academy as a tactical officer in 1897. This is where and when he received his nickname “Black Jack” by the cadets who begrudged his iron-willed discipline. From this point Pershing’s education, tenacity, charisma, integrity and faith-in-action vaulted him into an illustrious military career. Pershing served in the Cavalry in the West after graduating from the West Point Academy as well as later obtaining a law degree. Pershing followed in service in a number of Indian wars during the Spanish-American War in 1898. He functioned with great distinction in the movement around Santiago, Cuba as he led and commanded a black Calvary regiment at San Juan Hill. This frontal attack, converging columns, and the support of Gatlin gun firepower aided in the taking. After the United States had taken jurisdiction of the Philippines, Pershing was stationed there for three and a half years. He commanded American forces against quite a few tribes, jointly called “Moros” of the island of Mindanao. The fighting was difficult and flared up on and off for a number of years however during this time Pershing learned the “Moros’” customs and language which assisted him in gaining confidence and respect of “the enemy.” During the Philippine insurgency, Pershing received a promotion to brigadier general 1906-1913, which was surrounded by controversy because he “jumped over” in excess of eight hundred higher-ranking officers. He was assigned as commander of a castigatory raid against the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa in 1916. Greater things were yet to come.
In the Great War, World War I, Pershing was assigned the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) that the armed forces sent to Europe. General Pershing’s various challenges as the United States Army increased from one hundred thirty thousand men to two million men in eighteen months. His decisions entailed such things as how large the AEF should be, how to systematize supplies, where the AEF would and should fight in Europe, and when his soldiers were prepared for combat. General Pershing in his command of the AEF, he intended to retain its integrity although our Allies wanted the troops to amalgamate. The troops from the United States boosted the spirits of European allies, and the forces helped to defeat the Central Powers in 1918. In the year 1919, General Pershing was promoted by Congress to the rank of “General of the Armies of the United States”. This rank had only been held by only one other person, General of the Armies of the United States George Washington. This was a well-deserved honor for General Pershing, who had restructured the Army by the updating of military training techniques, by emphasizing physical fitness and starting professional schools for officers.
In all of General Pershing’s command and ways, he fought in the very characteristic qualities that we call the American ways of war: rapid movement, convergent columns, the preponderance of firepower, innovativeness, impatience, and use of indigenous people. However most of all he never thought more of himself than others. He led by his Christian values of prayer, love and respect for God, Country, and man.
Next, there is Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 – 1969) who was born October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas but raised in Abilene, Kansas. Dwight Eisenhower was known throughout that the whole of his life was influenced by his constancy, strength, and happiness in his family background and life. Eisenhower was known as a skilled leader in the challenging skill of leadership.
Eisenhower secured an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His years at the West Point Academy intensely strengthened and built upon the lessons of his youth. He had the valuable lessons of obedience, accountability and duty reiterated. West Point’s mission was to produce men of education, training and inspiration to the Corps of Cadets so when students graduated there was evidence of high character. Even before Eisenhower entered West Point, he was steadfastly devoted to honor and duty; after he graduated, service to this country was utmost as well.
Following Eisenhower’s graduation, he experienced several years of professional disappointment and frustration. His frustration was that the end of World War I was one week earlier right before he was to leave for his assignment in Europe. This ending stalled his career temporarily however in the 1920s assignments started coming to Eisenhower, which allowed him to prove his capabilities. Eisenhower’s duties included serving as a military aide to General John J. Pershing and then to serving as a military aide to General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s opportunities and recommendations were set to continue.
Prior to the United States entry in World War II, Eisenhower received his first star that included a promotion in rank to brigadier general. Following the United States of America’s entry into World War II, Eisenhower was sent to Washington, D.C. as a planning officer. He impressed the Army's chief of staff, General George C. Marshall, so much that he swiftly got key command assignments. General Marshall assigned General Eisenhower to handle the emergency crisis in the Pacific. Eisenhower stated, “We have got to travel Europe to fight, and we’ve got to quit wasting resources all over the world.” He was Supreme Commander of Operation Overlord, which was the Allied assault on Nazi-occupied Europe in 1944.
In five short years, Eisenhower moved up the ranks from a lieutenant colonel in the Philippines to the commander of the leading invasion forces in U.S. history. He was welcomed home in the year 1945 to function as chief of staff of the Army, as a hero. Eisenhower was loved and well-regarded Americans. President Harry Truman aware of General’s Eisenhower’s popularity with the citizens of the United States he confidentially suggested that they run as Presidential candidates in 1948 with President Truman being the Vice-Presidential Candidate in the Democratic affiliation. President Harry Truman aware of General’s Eisenhower’s popularity with the citizens of the United States he confidentially suggested that they run as Presidential candidates in 1948 with President Truman being the Vice-Presidential Candidate in the Democratic affiliation. Eisenhower turned down the offer and became president of Columbia University. Following the eruption of the Korean War, Eisenhower was the first Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe. With the acknowledgment of his Republican affiliation in 1952, he came home to triumph his party's presidential nomination, and his running mate would be Richard M. Nixon. Eisenhower effortlessly defeated Democrat Adlai Stevenson in 1952 as well as in 1956.
Dwight David Eisenhower in his command used the American Ways of War that had been presented and taught to him along his military journey. He accepted responsibility for making crucial decisions in dire situations in this nation’s history as well as the western allies. The most critical of all his decisions yielded the 1945 Allied victory in Europe.
Encompassing General Eisenhower’s command and ways, he was very much the innovator and as a soldier and as a statesman, duty always came first. His character is reflected in his speech delivered in June of 1945, to acknowledge being bestowed the honor of Freedom of the City of London award. “Humility," Eisenhower said, "must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends."
Now known by his nickname "Ike," he ingratiated himself with the people of the United States of America with his simple talk, charismatic smile, and sense of self-confidence. Eisenhower’s dedication to peace and the national good were revealed throughout his years in the nation’s White House. He obtained the trust and confidence of the public in the United States as well as from those overseas. Eisenhower’s Christian values revealed in his goodwill, and his "spiritual values" along with the love of this country Dwight David Eisenhower’s religious rearing is supportive in the understanding of the man and the President.
Lastly, there is Matthew B. Ridgway (1895-1993) was born March 3, 1895, at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Ridgway was the son of Colonel Thomas Ridgway and Ruth Bunker Ridgway, and he was an “army brat,” and was proud of it, being raised up on army posts all across the United States of America. He decided to follow along in the path of his father, so after graduating English High School in Boston, Massachusetts class of 1912 Ridgway applied to West Point Academy. He graduated in 1917 when he was then delegated to teach Spanish class at West Point instead of heading for the battlefront in Europe, to enter World War I. Ridgway said, “I felt that the soldier who would have no share in this last great victory of good over evil would be ruined.” He was raised in a Christian home, and his faith reflects here in reference to overcoming evil with good.
In 1917, Ridgway was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army. He rose through the ranks over the next thirteen years. Ridgway was selected in 1930 as an advisor to the Governor-General of the Philippines, and soon promoted to Assistant Chief of Staff of the 4th Army. He served in Nicaragua, China, as well as the Philippines. When the breakout of World War II occurred, he was working in the war plans division of the War Department.
With merit and commendation for Ridgway’s military success at the beginning of the World War II, he entered the hostilities with the United States Army in 1942 as the Brigadier General. His command was comprised of the recently formed 82nd Airborne paratrooper division which functioned well for him as he sought innovations and grand strategies on the battleground; which in the end lead his men to abundant success throughout 1944 Normandy, France landing. Ridgway successively led action in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. For Ridgway’s brave and remarkable leadership during the war, He received command of the entire United States airborne forces and received an appointment as Deputy Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Mediterranean under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. There were many accomplishments during the course of his military career. However, the most outstanding achievements were his feats in the process of the Korean War.
In the latter part of 1950 Ridgway took command of the United States Eighth Army Division in the Korean War throughout the Chinese Communist offensive. He gathered the United Nations armed forces began a counterattack that forced the Chinese out of South Korea. Ridgway was then “promoted to General Ridgway and succeeded General Douglas MacArthur as an Allied commanding officer in the Far East as he continued the successful defense of South Korea.” He then successfully supervised the end of the United States occupation of Japan in the year 1952.
General Ridgway fought a war characteristic of those qualities we call the American Ways of War. He would not ask a subordinate to do anything he was not ready to take on himself, He and his men moved rapidly, fought in converging columns, appreciated the preponderance of firepower, was innovative, willing to get the job done, and made use of indigenous peoples. Ridgway’s men learned “he was fearless in battle in part because of his Christian faith. He felt he would not be killed until his appointed time though he was wounded and received a Purple Heart.” Ridgway’s Paratroopers revealed that in fierce battle Ridgway, “did not once falter, did not yield to pessimism, doubt or fear; or if he did, he gave no outward sign of it.” Ridgway was known amid his troops; for his concern for their welfare; his courage to be upfront about the dangers of the battlefield; and the confidence that his character projected which inspired others to follow his directions,” It is documented that General Ridgway had an astonishing memory, calling the names of as many as five thousand of the men, years after he met them. This reflected his caring nature and a Christian of a man who paid attention and respect to others. General Ridgway could bolster a downhearted regime, and he could be distinguishable by the hand grenade that he strapped to a shoulder of his battle jacket.
These three distinguished Generals applied the American Ways of War and defeated the enemies. Their Christian values in prayer and respect allowed those under them to feel respected. Their innovativeness, integrity, and faith-in-action let General Pershing, General Eisenhower, and General Ridgway an honorable place in our history that should be held in high esteem.

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[ 1 ]. John J. Tierney, "Samuel P. Huntington and the American Military Tradition." The Political Science Reviewer 8 (October 1978): 205-234.
[ 2 ]. Everett T. Tomlinson, The Story of General Pershing (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1920). 244.
[ 3 ]. Romans 15:1
[ 4 ]. Tomlinson, 249.
[ 5 ]. Kennedy Hickman. World War I: General John J. Pershing. http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/1900s/p/pershing.htm (accessed March 7, 2016).
[ 6 ]. Tomlinson, 29.
[ 7 ]. Ibid.
[ 8 ]. 2 Peter 1:5-8
[ 9 ]. Kennedy Hickman. World War I: General John J. Pershing. http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/1900s/p/pershing.htm (accessed March 7, 2016).
[ 10 ]. Tomlinson, 23, 65.
[ 11 ]. Jeremiah 29:11
[ 12 ]. American Experience. General John J. Pershing (1860-1948). http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/macarthur/peopleevents/pandeAMEX100.html (accessed March 6, 2016).
[ 13 ]. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. John J. Pershing: United States General. http://www.britannica.com/biography/John-J-Pershing (accessed March, 6, 2016).
[ 14 ]. American Experience. “General John J. Pershing (1860-1948).”
[ 15 ]. Richard W. Stewart, American Military History: The United States Army in a Global Era, 1917–2008. Vol. II. (Washington: Center of Military History, 2009). 350-352.
[ 16 ]. Tomlinson, 216.
[ 17 ]. Matthew 5:44
[ 18 ]. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. “John J. Pershing: United States General.”
[ 19 ]. Stewart, 7-50.
[ 20 ]. Ibid.
[ 21 ]. Tomlinson, 225-242.
[ 22 ]. Kennedy Hickman. World War II: General Dwight D. Eisenhower - A Military Profile. http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/WorldWarIILeaders/p/World-War-Ii-General-Dwight-D-Eisenhower-A-Military-Profile.htm (accessed March 7, 2016).
[ 23 ]. Proverbs 11:14
[ 24 ]. Miller Center of Public Affairs. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Life in Brief. http://millercenter.org­/president/biography/eisenhower-life-in-brief (accessed March 13, 2016).
[ 25 ]. Miller Center of Public Affairs. “Dwight D. Eisenhower: Life in Brief.”
[ 26 ]. Stewart, 97.
[ 27 ]. Stewart, 93-100.
[ 28 ]. Stewart, 7-50.
[ 29 ]. Miller Center of Public Affairs. “Dwight D. Eisenhower: Life in Brief.”
[ 30 ]. Kennedy Hickman. World War II: General Dwight D. Eisenhower - A Military Profile.
[ 31 ]. Stewart, 217-249.
[ 32 ]. U.S. Army Center of Military History. Dwight David Eisenhower. http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/Ike/ike.htm (accessed March 7, 2016).
[ 33 ]. Ephesians 6:7
[ 34 ]. Gerald Bergman. "The Influence of Religion on President Eisenhower's Upbringing." Journal of American and Comparative Cultures 23, no. 4 (2000): http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/200590771?pq-origsite=summon (accessed March 5, 2016).
[ 35 ]. Scott S. Smith. Gen. Matthew Ridgway Turned The Korean War’s Tide. http://www.investors.com/news/management/leaders-and-success/matthew-ridgway-turned-the-tide-in-the-korean-war/ (accessed 6 2016, March).
[ 36 ]. Romans 12:17-21
[ 37 ]. Kennedy Hickman. Korean War: General Matthew Ridgway. http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/1900s/p/matthew-ridgway.htm (accessed March 7, 2016).
[ 38 ]. Kennedy Hickman. Korean War: General Matthew Ridgway.
[ 39 ]. Habakkuk 2:3
[ 40 ]. Scott S. Smith. Gen. Matthew Ridgway Turned The Korean War’s Tide.
[ 41 ]. Ibid.
[ 42 ]. Proverbs 4:20-27
[ 43 ]. Matthew 7:15-20