[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:
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[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.

[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.

[harpseal]

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

[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.

[ColdSteelTalon]

Omar Bradley also go a fifth star

[The Shootist]

Actually no, the 5 star Rank was created by Congress in 1944.

Again no, Arnold, Eisenhower, McArthur and Marshall were all promoted to General of the Army in Dec of 1944, years before they retired. In 1947, Arnold's rank was changed to General of the Air Force. Bradley won his 5th Star in 1950 when he became Commander of NATO after Eisenhower. The Navy also had five 5 star (Fleet) Admirals.

Congress did award Pershing (and Washington) the Rank of "General of the Armies" however. But Pershing only wore 4 stars and Washington wore 6.

[Mike Darancette]

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

Douglas MacArthur, Marshall, Omar Bradley?

[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.