John J. Pershing letter to Champ Clark - November 24, 1918

Transcript

France, [November] 24, 1918. Dear Mr. Clark: I have received your letter of October 29th with regard to your son. As you can easily imagine in an army of the size of the American Expeditionary Forces, the choice of staff officers is left very much to the General Staff officers is left very much to the General Staff officers, who are in intimate touch with the regimental officers. During the organization of the army the most crying need was for staff officers, and as many regular officers as could be spared from troops, and the more promising of the other officers, whether National Guard, Reserve or National Army, were picked to be sent to the General Staff College and were later very largely used with the divisional and corps staffs. In each case I have little doubt but that the officer in question would rather have remained with his regiment, as service with troops is the service the most desired, and far more satisfactory than staff work. I have no doubt but that your son would have been as successful with his regiment as he evidently has been on the staff. Under the present conditions of armistice and probable speedy peace, the question seems to me less urgent. I would be glad to do what I can, but the need of trained staff officers is especially great at this time. However, I shall give your request my personal attention. I was very glad to hear from you, and thanking you for your kind words, I remain, Sincerely yours, (signed) John J. Pershing.