How many American five-star generals have existed?
Historically, this designation only occurred during World War II, as an answer to the horde of generals appointed by the German military, and as an answer and response to an American being responsible for the allied forces.
The German military designated so many generals in an attempt to make allied forces believe the great number of generals were required to control a much larger force -- a force the Germans did not have. Their numbers were a sham and a ruse to confuse.
But in truth, how many American designated five-star generals existed?
Initially, that 5-Star rank was to be called Field Marshal, but the designator was withdrawn due to its similarity to Germany's FeldMarshal. General George C. Marshall was the greatest objector to this designator -- due to his name.
The Army had four 5-Star generals:
- General George C. Marshall (see photo)
- General Douglas MacArthur
- General Dwight D. Eisenhower
- General Omar N. Bradley
The US Navy had four 5-Star Fleet Admirals to include:
- Admiral William D. Leahy
- Admiral Ernest J. King
- Admiral Chester Nimitz
- Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey
The United States Air Force (then the US Army Air Corps) had one:
- General Henry "Hap" Arnold
To his everlasting regret, Gen. George Smith Patton only acquired four stars.
The only rank above this would be a General of the Armies of the United States -- the highest military rank of all time, hands down -- beyond even that of Eisenhower.
To date, only George Washington and John J. Pershing have held this position.
BZ
I had the privilege of meeting Gen Bradley once, I got to shake his hand, he was in Shreveport, Louisiana, my home town, to receive the "Spirit of Independence Award."
ReplyDeleteIt was later named The Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award."
He was old, he was in a wheel chair, the old boy couldn't walk, I'm not sure he was fully aware of his surroundings, he was in full dress uniform and I have got to tell you, he was STILL impressive... I was truly honored to be in his presence...
Fred: persons of this nature, I truly believe, have auras that bely what they truly are. You sensed this and received this impression, still, from an old man -- who, after all those years, EXUDED power and honor and made you step back and reconsider. It was such an impression that you remember it fully to this day.
ReplyDeleteLeaders are leaders. I envy you, to have been in the presence of such a man as Omar Bradley. You treated him with respect and this shall follow you to your grave. Another reason that you might not realize: he was honored to be in YOUR presence.
BZ