[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

[anniegetyourgun]

It works for me.

[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.

[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.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

No. Franks doesn't merit a fifth star.

[RLK]

If Schwartzkopf didn't get a fifth star then nobody else should get one.

[17th Miss Regt]

Note that if he gets a 5th star, he does not retire. He stays on active duty. He won't get one for this action.

[Squantos]

He has done "what" above and beyond any other war tasked CinC to deserve a 5th in "your" opinion ?

Stay Safe and regards from the Panhandle....

[The Shootist]

The Rank of General of the Army means that the man has, or will lead more than one Army into battle. Additionally the US needed a rank equal to the European rank of Field Marshall to lead, an "Army Group" or "Theater" level command. Patton, for instance, did not qualify for the 5th Star.

Bradley, MacArthur, Marshall, Arnold and Eisenhower all lead two or more "Armies" and were equal in rank to the British, Russian and German Field Marshalls.

Since the US is down to one Army, the 3rd, in the US Army, neither Franks nor Shelton are qualified for the 5th Star.

[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).