American Military History, Volume 2 by Richard W. Stewart

Before Pershing departed for France, Secretary Baker told him: "I will give you only two orders, one to go to France and the other to come home. In the meantime, your authority in France will be supreme." Baker thus had given Pershing a free hand to make basic decisions and plan for the shape and form of the American ground contribution to the war in Europe. Consequently, during the summer of 1917, Pershing and his small staff went about building the AEF's foundations.

In late June 1917 the most crucial decision that Pershing needed to make concerned the location of the American zone of operations. With the advanced elements of the 1st Division due to arrive in France by the end of the month, it was essential that the staff lay out the training areas. Moreover, the selection of supply lines and depots all hinged on the establishment of the AEF's sector. Accordingly, Pershing ordered his staff to make a reconnaissance of the Lorraine region, south and south- west of Nancy. For the American commander, the prime consideration in exploring this area was its potential for development and employ- ment of a large, independent AEF in a decisive offensive. On June 21 the staff officers departed on a four-day tour of a number of villages and possible training areas in Lorraine.