Talk:General of the Army (United States)

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Insignia of Rank

In one of the pictures of this page appears the shoulder strap insignia ordered by William Sherman in 1872 with the coat of arms of the United States between two stars. Below the image it writes that it was used only by Sherman and was in use between 1872-1888. That's not correct, it was used until 1917.

1. The source quoted at note 3 by the author is 'US Army Five Star Generals - Frequently Asked Questions' of the U.S. Army Center of Military History. Consulting that source, I could read: 'War Department General Orders No. 75, September 5, 1866, prescribed that the insignia for the newly authorized General of the Army grade would be four stars. General Grant wore this insignia, as did General Sherman until War Department General Orders No. 92, October 26, 1872, changed the insignia to two silver stars with the arms of the United States in gold between them. General Sherman, and later General Sheridan, wore the new insignia.'

2. In the 'US Army Facts and Insignia' (5th Edition revised) Major Lucius A. Hine (editor) Rand McNally & Co, Chicago & New York, page 17, are pictured both styles of rank insignia for the grade of General: The one introduced by Sherman in 1872 which was in use until 1917 and the new one (in fact the old one, between 1866-1872) with 4 silver stars. The document clearly states that the "with the appointment of Generals Pershing and Bliss to the rank of full general in 1917, the change in holder insignia as indicated above was introduced...four stars are silver and of equal size".

3. A picture from the 'Chicago Daily News War Book' from 1917 has a picture (at page 9) where the same difference is marked by showing two shoulder boards - old style (coat of Arms between two stars) and new style (4 silver stars of equal size) Radu Urloiu (talk) 20:01, 29 June 2018 (UTC).[reply]

Where is the insignia made official?

I see references for the creation of the rank, but I don't see where the insignia is authorized. I'm not challenging it since the US Army lists it on the official site and shows a 5 star insignia, but it would be nice to see where it's actually codified. Sephiroth storm (talk) 14:35, 1 July 2019 (UTC)[reply]

Mini Militia Double army

Mini Militia Double army 175.176.68.240 (talk) 16:41, 29 June 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Thus, Washington will always be the most senior general of the United States.

Wouldnt this be inaccurate if another person was also given this title, unlikely as it may be? 2605:A601:AFC3:700:85D5:26BB:7A68:4FC2 (talk) 01:39, 11 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Anything "is" until it "isn't". The point is, right now GW is considered the most senior, and it's intended to remain that way. If, for some reason that were to change, then it would be documented here, along with reliable sourcing in support, (though I can't imagine that ever occurring, either his seniority being revoked or another Gen. being put above him). - wolf 07:18, 11 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]

you are confusing this rank with the "General of the Armies" rank. its above this one - CharlesViBritannia (talk) 16:15, 15 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]