Why Have Only Five Americans Ever Had Five Stars?

History is full of stories about wars, powerful commanders, and the decisions that changed the course of nations. From forgotten battles and ancient empires to the military forces that shaped the modern world, Zone of History explores the past through storytelling. In this video, we take a closer look at one of the rarest military distinctions in American history: the five-star rank. During World War II, the United States created a new military grade for its highest-ranking commanders: General of the Army. Its insignia carried five stars. But why was the rank created in the first place? Why were only five American officers ever promoted to the modern Army five-star rank? And what happened to those five stars when the generals retired? The answers take us back to the middle of World War II, when American commanders were leading enormous forces across Europe and the Pacific and working within a multinational Allied command structure. We’ll explore how the five-star rank came into existence, what it represented, why only five officers received it, and the unusual military grade that existed before the modern five-star system. Five stars were never meant to be an ordinary promotion. They represented a level of command that America has rarely had a reason to use. If you enjoy military history, World War II, American history, legendary commanders, military ranks, historical mysteries, powerful armies, and fascinating moments from the past, you're in the right place. Subscribe to Zone of History and come along for another little trip through history.