Actor/historian David Shuey brings 'General Pershing' to Post 20 meeting

Actor/historian David Shuey (aka Gen. John J. Pershing) regaled NPC members with tales of the World War I leader's exploits at a luncheon meeting of American Legion Post 20 Oct. 5.

Sporting a uniform much like the one worn by the commander of the American Expeditionary Force in France, Shuey assumed the identity of Pershing and answered questions based on his extensive knowledge of the one-time General of the Armies. Pershing, who was an associate member of the NPC, was instrumental in the founding of Post 20 in 1919.

Shuey noted that Pershing was well aware of the power of the press and the need for having good relations with reporters. He cited the bloody Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918 in which regular Army units and U.S. Marines participated. Marines get most credit for a victory because they had reporters "embedded" with their units whereas the Army did not. Shuey said Pershing beat "Rough Rider" Teddy Roosevelt to the top of San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish American War, but the future President garnered the publicity.

Pershing was criticized after the war for pressing U.S. advances in which thousands of soldiers died even after Germany had agreed to an armistice. Shuey said Pershing wanted the war to end with allied forces occupying German territory to convince the German people of their defeat. But once defeated, he said Pershing opposed the harsh treatment imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles.