n the French would have thought of such a dainty
and yet effective way of expressing their admiration of a man? Sometimes
a son objects to being known chiefly because he bears the name of his
father. It is seldom, however, that a man ever objects to being known as
the father of his son.

Just before this volume was given by the students, General Pershing had
presented their diplomas to the members of the graduating class of the
Lycee. This very pleasing duty had followed after he had formally
received the American troops and the French societies which had marched
through the streets that were gay with brilliant decorations and
thronged by cheering thousands.

On August 7, 1918, there appeared in many American newspapers the
following brief and simple message from France:

"With the American Armies in France, Aug. 6.

"President Poincare personally decorated General
Pershing with the Grand Cross of the Legion of
Honor this morning with impressive military
ceremonies at American General Headquarters."

This was all that was cabled, but a column would not have added to the
meaning. As far as military recognition was concerned France could do no
more. Her choicest honor, the one most highly prized by her patriotic
soldiers, had been bestowed upon a soldier from across the sea, not only
as a token of her esteem for the man, but also for the country which had
chosen him to be the leader of her armies.

Nor was this the only honor of its kind. England already had shown her
appreciation by awarding him the Grand Cross of the Order of the
Bath--an honor which it is said was then bestowed for the first time
upon a soldier of a foreign nation, or at least upon a soldier from the
United States.[D] And other similar orders and decorations were given
and by different nations. It is difficult in democratic America to
appreciate just how much such recognition means in the lands in which
they were so generously bestowed. We may be certain, however, that these
honors, which are rare, were not bestowed thoughtlessly and that General
Pershing was deeply appreciative in each instance of the motive and
feeling that lay behind the gift.

Without question, the honor which most deeply touches the General is the
confidence and affection of the men he commands. This is more and deeper
than mere popularity. The latter varies and shifts as a weathercock
veers with the changing winds. Many of