Ed Vebell (American, 1921 - 2018) "Pershing Arrives in Paris" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for Epic Events in American History series issued in 1985.

American leaders knew that it would take months to raise the kind of army the Allies would need to win World War I. But, after their April 6, 1917 declaration of war, the United States sent General John J. Pershing to France with one division. Pershing arrived in Paris, June 14, 1917, as Commander of all the American forces to be sent to the Western Front. Soon after he arrived, the stern commander placed a wreath on the Marquis de Lafayette's tomb. In a speech on General Pershing's behalf, Col. Charles E. Stanton announced, "Lafayette, we are here." This action thrilled Allied troops and symbolized that the Americans had come to repay all the valiant Frenchmen who had helped them during the Revolutionary War. For the Germans, Pershing's arrival in Paris was demoralizing. They soon discovered that under his harsh and almost despotic command, the growing number of American troops were being trained in marksmanship and sharpshooting. The German armies realized that the Americans had become a hard driving force in a short time. On May 31, 1918, German fears that incoming American troops would overwhelm them were realized when Pershing's men began fighting in France. By early August, Pershing's army had stopped the advancing Germans, and this victory ahad a decisive effect on the Allied triumph in World War I. Pershing's arrival in Paris prior to these battles is commemorated on this artwork.

Image Size: 20 x 21 in.
Overall Size: 26.5 x 27.5 in.
Unframed. (B06411)

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26.5 x 27.5 in