Item Info

Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Automobile Reference Collection
Notes:

War Veterans – All of Them

A reminiscent touch in the American Legion’s Festival Of Nations, held at Ypsilanti, Michigan was provided by the veteran U.S. Army automobile in which the parade marshall and his aide led the marching columns through the city.

The car, which outdates World War I, is the Dodge touring car by the then Brigadier General John J. Pershing on the 1916 expedition in which United States troops set out in pursuit of the Mexican bandit. Pancho Villa. It was after the Mexican affair that President Woodrow Wilson appointed Pershing to command the greatest American army ever massed under the leadership of any General.

With the Mexican campaign concluded, General Pershing’s four-cylinder, 1915 Dodge was used at Ford Bliss until 1931. Despite the long and severe use it has had, the car remains in excellent running condition.

Seated in the rear seats are General John P. Kirk and Major Soller. The driver is Howard Johnson. The doughboys surrounding the veteran vehicle are members of the 32d Division.