The Six-Star General (Redux)

Establishment

The creation of the six-star general rank in the United States military was driven by unique historical and political circumstances. Gary Arndt explains that the rank, officially known as "General of the Armies," was first established in 1919 and awarded to John Pershing, who designed his own insignia with four gold stars to distinguish it from the four-star rank of general 1. This rank was intended to be senior to the five-star "General of the Army," a necessity during World War II when the U.S. needed a rank equivalent to the British field marshal 2. The rank of "General of the Armies" was later posthumously awarded to George Washington, ensuring no one could outrank him 3.

   

Notable Figures

Notable figures who have been awarded the six-star general rank include John Pershing and George Washington, with Ulysses S. Grant recently joining their ranks posthumously. Gary Arndt highlights that Pershing was the first to receive this rank, while Washington was elevated in 1976 to ensure his perpetual seniority 3. Grant's promotion in 2022 marks him as the third individual to hold this prestigious title 3. Arndt notes that Douglas MacArthur was considered for this rank during World War II, but the proposal was ultimately dropped due to political complexities 1.