The Five Star Rank and Officers

In our latest Q&A session, we answer two questions. 1. Why did the U.S. military create the five-star rank in World War II? 2. How many officers held this special rank?
Keep your questions coming!

[petertimmins]

Those who held this rank were never retired and remained on Active Duty until they died, even though they no longer held any official position or command. The one difference was Eisenhower. He had to resign from the Army when he won the election for President because it is against not only Federal law but also the Constitution to be President and in the Military at the same time. After he left office the Army petitioned Congress to reinstate him, which they did. He is the only person to have held that rank, then resign from the Service and then later be reinstated.

[ScarabKing]

Gen. Arnold holds two 5 star ranks in the two branches in US military, the army and the airforce. However, Gen. Mc. Arthur is the only 5 star General who holds two 5 star ranks in two countries. The General of the Army (US) and the Field Marshal (Philippines). Until now, he is the only military officer ever who holds the rank of Field Marshal in the Philippines.

[WorshipinIdols]

A marvelous presentation that is a real teacher, I wish we had more of them and thank you ma’am for mentioning GenerallfeldMarschall Witzleban.

[johnharris]

Leahy was 70, Marshall was 65, King was 68, MacArthur was 65, Nimitz was 60. Arnold was 59. Halsey was 62. Eisenhower was the kid at 55 when the war ended with Bradley being 52 when the war ended. There is no substitute for experience.

[shanekilpatrick]

Good video. Washington was posthumously promoted to six star General of the Armies of the United States on bicentennial day, July 4 1976. This was to ensure he will never be outranked. His rank during the Revolution was 3 Star Lieutenant General.

[bacchuslax]

Let’s not forget that anytime there is a 5 star, General Washington becomes 6 star. He is always to be the highest ranking officer.

[stevekane]

This lady is amazing, in her presentation and style. Right to the point and easy on the eyes too. We want to see more of her presentations. Very informative .---Swamie

[thomasblumette]

Very Interesting teaching.My grandfather Thomas Blumette was a two star general in the Spanish American War fighting with Teddy Roosevelt. My father Salvatore Blumette fought in WWII in Europe in six major battles as a sergeant. And his old brother Pete Blumette fought in WWII in the Pacific as a Lieutenant. My cousin MaryAnn Blumette was awarded the "Metal Of Honor" by President Lydon Johnson for her work on the front lines in Vietnam as a nurse.

[dougdouglas]

Good job. To the point, succinct, informative, and well presented. All the 5-stars you mentioned would have expected no less.

[edwardpate]

What an amazing group of talented commanders. I fear this nation will not see their like again. I know Norman Schwarzkopf was proposed in the 90's and I think he might have warranted it.

[janach]

Back in the Sixties, my younger brother and I owned a number of G-I Joe dolls. We played with them quite vigorously, and one of them lost an arm. We decided he was a wounded veteran, and we promoted him to general. I had to make him a five-star general, though I knew the rank was ridiculously high for the sort of adventures our Joes engaged in. If I didn’t, my brother’s friend would promote one of his Joes above ours, and my brother could not let that happen.

[tombowers]

Very informative and succinct explanation with not one wasted word, nor one surplus. A model presentation.

[williampatience]

Thanks for the info. I was in the service and I only knew 3 of them. All in theaters.

[mary_mac.arthur]

I watch this to learn about the history of the American military.
This is a great video teaching material.
I own several Star Insignias, hand-built by Americans.
I remember that Admiral Sharp ordered it to be made of steel.
I was told by a U.S. congressman that General MacArthur was the only commander of all the armed forces.
Thank you very much for being able to fill in the knowledge that I didn't know.

[robertsopinski]

That was a terrific presentation. Clear and very informative. I had wondered about this but no one was able to give me a concise answer. Many thanks.

[svetlanarudovsky]

This is such a wonderful understanding that they moved from one rank to the other from the army to the Navy and the Air Force it's just beautiful and my daughter is home from the Navy she went in gentlemen when she was only 17 she joined it early before she was 18 my oldest daughter thought she was 18 when she graduated from the Navy that was September 1st 2010 she's an E3 engineer off the Lincoln she got married last year in May 2021 she married a marine down in Dallas she's my little girl and she's home now yes you have a blessed and wonderful day thank you so much for

[twocosmic]

Honorable men who fought honorably for our country.thank you gentlemen for your service

[tannhauser]

In 1976, George Washington was posthumously promoted to General of the Armies to ensure that no one past or present would outrank him. It's theoretically a six star rank, but no six star insignia has ever been designed or worn.

[msbwlb]

Any fan of military history should visit MacArthur Memorial in the heart of Norfolk. A great place to learn more about this great man who shaped post-WWII peace in Asia.

[jwillowed]

Great video and information. Glad to see a young lady as the face of the channel. I received the General Douglas MacArthur Award in 1985.