[1] Persons began his career as a lawyer and later served as an infantry officer during World War I, when he distinguished himself during the Second Battle of the Marne.

He received the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest decoration of the United States Army, and remained active in the Alabama National Guard after the war.

Following the United States' entry into World War II, Persons commanded the 31st Infantry Division in the Southwest Pacific theatre.

[4] Persons arrived to Brest, France, in mid-May 1918 and after two months of additional training, his regiment was assigned to the VII French Army Corps near Bois du Chatelet.

[5][6][4] The citation for the medal reads:- The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) John C. Persons, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, A.E.F., at St. Thibault, France, 8 August 1918.

The telephone lines to the rear having been destroyed, he proceeded under intense enemy fire through a narrow pass, accompanied by a corporal and private of his regiment.

Following Hall's promotion and succession by Colonel Troy H. Middleton, Persons remained as his Regiment Adjutant and participated in the combats near Cuisy, Septsarges, and Brieulles-sur-Meuse until the Armistice.

Besides the annual summer training, Persons led his unit in providing protection to civilians during race riots in Birmingham in early October 1931.

[3][4] The 31st Division was inducted into active federal service on November 25, 1940, and following the transfer of the divisional headquarters to Camp Blanding, Florida, Persons supervised the movement of his units from Birmingham.

[3][1][4] Persons and his division arrived in Oro Bay, New Guinea on April 24, 1944, and engaged in amphibious training prior to entering combat.

Despite the extremely difficult conditions on the beaches, he was able to land his troops in a few hours, and the original Japanese airfield on Morotai was secured before sunset.

[6][1][4] However, only eight days later, Persons requested to be relieved of command, which was approved, and he turned over the division to Major General Clarence A. Martin.