Tommy Frank's Fifth Star

05/23/03 | Jolly Green

[Beenliedto]

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.

The rank was created, and is equal to Field Marshal, because Marshall didn't want to be called Field Marshal Marshall.

In all, there have been nine to hold the rank: Marsahll, Eisenhower, MacArthur and Bradley for the Army (Plus Arnold for the Army Air Corps). Admirals of the Fleet were Leahy, King, Nimitz and Halsey.

There is one rank higher, General of the Armies, which has been awarded to two Americans:

John J. Pershing

and

George Washington.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

There is another thing to consider about Iraq. The battles were not won by Gen. Franks, they were fought and won mostly by enlisted personnel and young pilots (as usual).

[WaterDragon]

As much as I admire Franks and am everlastingly grateful for his brilliant leadership, I have to agree with you.

[Empireoftheatom48]

You forgot Omar Bradly. I remember as a 2nd Lt. trying to get a haicut at the Ft. Bliss O' club barbershop one day but could not since Bradly was there for one. The post commander a two star was waiting there, and then could only leave when Bradly was finished. He had to wait on him. It was a small but powerful moment on what that rank ment and who the person was.