Genesis of the American First Army

Popular conception often assumes the creation of the largest American units overseas to have been a simple evolution. The contrary is the case. Difficulties, tangible and intangible, fears, jealousies, military crises, national ambitions of the Allies, long served to keep United States troops from fighting under their flag and to delay the formation of an American Army under its own leader. In the conflict of views between General Pershing and the Allied authorities this goal of unity set by the United States Government receded on occasions to a seemingly hopeless distance. Though willing to yield at all times to necessity, the American commander in chief never swerved from his project of forming his Army. His staunchness, at times, brought him into radical disagreement with the Allied representatives during the course of World War events; but, in each case, mutual tact and good judgment and a common appreciation of the imperative necessity of forbearance and cooperation brought relief to the tense situation. The obstacles he encountered, the difficulties he overcame, are features of this narrative.War College, Army is the author of 'Genesis of the American First Army', published 2003 under ISBN 9781410208217 and ISBN 1410208214.