Gen. John J. Pershing Says Farewell to One of His World War I Commanders Upon His Retirement

James Dean Tilford was born in 1877 at Fort Lincoln, Nebraska, where his father (who was one of Custer’s senior commanders) was serving with the 7th U.S. Cavalry.  He joined the U.S. Army in 1898 and saw service during the Spanish-American War and in the Philippines during the insurrection.  He was involved in the Ute Indian Campaign in South Dakota in 1907, the second Cuban Intervention in 1908 and was in Mexico in 1914 with the force commanded by General John J. Pershing.  While in Cuba, he superintended the return of the remains of the USS Maine to the United States. When the U.S. entered World War I, Tilford was a major of cavalry and was quickly promoted to Colonel in command of the 314th Ammunition Train, 89th Infantry Division.  He served in the St. Mihiel offensive and the Toul Sector, then was part of the post-war occupation force. In 1923, his health led him to resign.

General Pershing knew Tilford well, from during the incursion in Mexico. Here he bids Tilford a farewell from the U.S. Army.

Typed Letter Signed on his Chief of Staff letterhead, Washington, March 1, 1923, to Tilford. “It is with regret that I note your retirement from active service on account of physical disability. I trust that being relieved from the exacting requirements of military service, you will fully regain your health, and good fortune will attend you in the new sphere of life which you have entered.” We obtained this letter from the Tilford descendants and it has never before been offered for sale.