General Pershing Lands In France: June 28, 1917 - General Pershing lands in France as Commander of the A.E.F. The French Officer behind general Pershing is General Peletier, the civilian to the left is Monsieur Rene Besnard. General Pershing Lands In France: June 28, 1917 - General Pershing lands in France as Commander of the A.E.F. The French Officer behind general Pershing is General Peletier, the civilian to the left is Monsieur Rene Besnard.still not ringing a bell - who is he?