Pershing House

A sturdy dwelling, "The Pershing House," has served as quarters for many renowned U.S. Army generals and their families.

Vastly different occupants have lived within Pershing House. Its interior walls have borne the scratch marks of children of Indian fighters and their modern counterparts. In its rooms decisions have been arrived at which have helped extend the nation's frontiers and bring triumph in combat. Its floors have felt the tread of hundreds of renowned military men and prominent governmental, social and civil leaders who have been guests of its occupants. But Pershing House's chief claim to fame will always be that it has been the home of famous military leaders.

First occupant of the home was Brig. Gen Christopher Columbus Augur, famed Union Army leader and Indian fighter, who made it his domicile from I88I to I883. Upon his departure Pershing House became the home of Brig. Gen Ranald Slidell Mackenzie of whom it was said by Capt. Robert C. Carter, who served under him in Texas, that "he was our best, most reliable and dependable Indian fighter." Mackenzie, who left the abode in I883, was called "Bad Hand" by the Indians.

To assure that the names of generals making Pershing House their home would be preserved for posterity, Mrs. I.D. White, wife of the Fourth Army commander, 1953-55 made a gift to Fort Sam Houston of two brass-plated hardwood plaques containing the names of occupants of the home and the dates of their command. These plaques, which are kept up to date, are prominently displayed in the large living room of the quarters.

As a major general, John J. Pershing, resided in the quarters in 1917, upon his return from the pursuit of Pancho Villa. While occupying the home he was chosen to command the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. In 1919 he was appointed General of the Armies of the United States. In memory of the World War I leader. No 6 Staff Post Road was officially designated "Pershing House" by Lt. Gen. Guy S. Meloy in 1959 while he was serving as Fourth Army commander.

Among the officers who have lived in the stately quarters include two full generals, 20 lieutenant generals, 17 major generals, 15 brigadier generals and one colonel. All have served as area or post commanders.
The full generals who made Pershing House their home were Jonathan M. Wain-wright, hero of Bataan and Corregidor, and Thomas T. Kandy who succeeded him. Wainwright, who received from the President of the United States, in person, the highest honor the government can bestow - the Medal of honor - resided at Pershing House in 1946 and 1947. Handy, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff, US Army, during a period which spanned crucial offensives against Germany and Japan, the redeployment to the Pacific and the demobilization of the wartime Army, resided in Pershing house from 1947 to 1949. During his career he was twice recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal.

The distinction of being the first Fourth US Army Commander to reside in Pershing House belongs to General William U. Simpson, now retired and living in San Antonio, he occupied the Quarters in 1944 before going overseas to lead the Ninth US Army with distinction. He was recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal in both World Wars.

There are other famous names on the roster of generals who have lived in Pershing House, a complete listing of which follows.