General of the Armies is the highest military rank in U.S. history held by only three individuals: George Washington, John J. Pershing, and Ulysses S. Grant.

Quick Historical Context

This elite rank, often called a "six-star general," surpasses the five-star General of the Army. Congress created it specially to honor unparalleled leadership without ever being outranked. No insignia was ever officially designed, adding to its legendary status.

The Three Holders

  • John J. Pershing : Awarded in 1919 for World War I command; the first active holder, serving until his 1924 retirement.
  • George Washington : Posthumously granted in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, ensuring he remains the senior officer forever—retroactively above Pershing.
  • Ulysses S. Grant : Posthumously promoted in 2022 (some sources note 2024), recognizing his Civil War victories as Union general.

Why So Exclusive?

Unlike the five-star rank (held by nine officers like Eisenhower and MacArthur), General of the Armies demands unique Congressional acts. Debates persist on its exact precedence, but it's undisputed as the pinnacle. Recent YouTube trends (as of January 2026) highlight it in trivia videos, sparking forum discussions on future candidates like Eisenhower.

Perspectives from Forums and Experts

Reddit threads clarify nuances: Pershing's rank avoided demotion post-WWI, Washington's ensured superiority, and Grant's closed a historical gap. Military sites emphasize its Army-specific nature, though equivalent Navy ranks exist in theory.

TL;DR : General of the Armies—three legends only.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.