Tommy Frank's Fifth Star

05/23/03 | Jolly Green

[Jolly Green]

I'd sure like to see Tommy Franks get a fifth star before he retires. Has anyone seen or heard any activism to make that happen?

If anyone deserved a fifth star, it is Tommy Franks.

[Jolly Green]

What do you think? Is there anything we can do?

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

Five-star rank has not been used for more than fifty years. It ain't gonna happen and it really doesn't need to. Franks is a well-respected general and you ought to see the retirement pay for a four-star.

[fporretto]

I know of only two generals who've been awarded the fifth star: John J. Pershing and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Apparently, it's a really tough honor to get. Also, it has no significance in terms of command structure, as it's only given on retirement.

How the four-stars sort out their relative precedence is a bit murky. I suppose it's by their assigned responsibility levels, and failing that, by seniority.

Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit the Palace Of Reason:
http://palaceofreason.com

[Cvengr]

I thought Clinton gave one to Powell for a short time, or was that simply a nightmare.

IMHO, Franks as 3 too many at present.

[Vermont Lt]

Five stars were created in WWII to outrank the Field Marshalls of England. Pershiing and Washington were granted them posthumously--as a courtesy. Eisenhower was reinstated after he left the Presidency.

Powell was not given 5 stars. There was talk, but it was silly.

Five stars aint gonna happen again. At least for a long, long time.

[anniegetyourgun]

It works for me.

[Alas Babylon!]

I believe MacAurthur and Nimitz got their fifth star as well.

[katana]

Considering the scale of engagement for which a fifth star is given, I sincerely hope we never have to issue any more.

Taking nothing away from General Franks, but Iraqi Freedom cannot compare with command of an entire world war European or Pacific theater. The idea of giving him a fifth star and raising him to the same rank as Eisenhower, Bradley, and MacArthur is comparable to the suggestions a few weeks ago that Pvt. Lynch might be up for a CMH.

[Exeter]

I believe there were 9 5-star commanders as a result of World War II. In the Army they were Marshall, MacArthur, Eisenhower and Bradley. In the Navy they were King, Nimitz, Halsey and Leahy, and in the Army Air Force it was Hap Arnold.

[Rider on the Rain]

I know of only two generals who've been awarded the fifth star: John J. Pershing and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Suggest you do your homework, Mr. Libertarian. MacArthur, Eisenhower, Arnold, Bradley, Nimitz, Halsey, and King were promoted to five-star rank, the first 4 to General of the Army, the last 3 to Admiral of the Fleet.

Although Pershing was promoted to General of the Armies (presumably even higher than the above), he never wore more than 4 stars.

[Cvengr]

concur

[Cvengr]

Concur,...besides it would cost too much to provide all those parking blocks outside the commisaries, exchanges and O-Clubs for "Any 5-Star Officer".

[fporretto]

Suggest you do your homework, Mr. Libertarian.

And I suggest you work on your manners, Mr. Heckler. I wrote "I know of," not "There have been only." I avoid doctrinaire statements when I don't have a complete set of references before me. Just now I'm doing this from a hotel room; my books are far away.

And exactly what do my political convictions have to do with the subject? Are you so allergic to libertarians that you'll go out of your way to register a slam against one? Or are you so pleased to find out that you know something a particular libertarian doesn't know that in your joy you simply have to trumpet the event to the entire known universe?

Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit the Palace Of Reason:
http://palaceofreason.com

[Alas Babylon!]

Thanks for helping me with my memory. I should have remembered HAP ARNOLD, being an Air Force retiree!

[toddst]

IMHO, Franks as 3 too many at present.

Please extend your remark, sir. Why do you believe this?

[N. Theknow]

Did Hap Arnold get his 5th when he was wearing "pinks and greens" or wearing blues?

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

If anyone deserved a fifth star, it is Tommy Franks.

Well if anyone deserves one it's General Franks. Problem is, no one deserves one. You get a 5th star for long years of war and outstanding service.

[harpseal]

You forgot Generals Mac Aurthur, Bradley, and Marshall. There may be others. Fleet Admirals included Nimitz, and King.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

No. Franks doesn't merit a fifth star.

[opbuzz]

...How the four-stars sort out their relative precedence is a bit murky. I suppose it's by their assigned responsibility levels, and failing that, by seniority.

USMC General Jones, NATO Commander and former Commandant, is now fourth in the USMC seniority, behind Gen Hagee the Commandant, Gen Nyland the Assistant Commandant, and Gen Pace the Vice Chairman of the JCS, respectively.