Text reads:

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To all who shall see these presents greeting:

Know Ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of John J. Pershing, I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint him General in the service of the United States: to rank as such from the third day of September, nineteen hundred and nineteen. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of General by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.

And I do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as General. And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States of America, or the General or other superior Officers set over him according to the rules and discipline of War.

This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being.

Given under my hand at the City of Washington on this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and nineteen, -- and in the one hundred and forty-fourth year of the Independence of the United States.

By the President.

Newton Baker

Secretary of War