Posted on Dec 19, 2016
Who has met/seen a 5 Star General or Admiral before?
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Its a honor to talk about history and more importantly sharing our military heritage. If you have some memories pleasure share. Standing by:
The following Americans have been promoted to five-star rank:
• Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy 15 December 1944
• General of the Army George Marshall 16 December 1944
• Fleet Admiral Ernest King 17 December 1944
• General of the Army Douglas MacArthur 18 December 1944
• Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz 19 December 1944
• General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower 20 December 1944
• General of the Army & Air Force Henry H. Arnold 21 December 1944 & 7 May 1949
• Fleet Admiral William Halsey, Jr. 11 December 1945
• General of the Army Omar Bradley 20 September 1950
• General of the Armies George Washington 4 July 1976, with an effective appointment date of 4 July 1776a
The following Americans have been promoted to five-star rank:
• Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy 15 December 1944
• General of the Army George Marshall 16 December 1944
• Fleet Admiral Ernest King 17 December 1944
• General of the Army Douglas MacArthur 18 December 1944
• Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz 19 December 1944
• General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower 20 December 1944
• General of the Army & Air Force Henry H. Arnold 21 December 1944 & 7 May 1949
• Fleet Admiral William Halsey, Jr. 11 December 1945
• General of the Army Omar Bradley 20 September 1950
• General of the Armies George Washington 4 July 1976, with an effective appointment date of 4 July 1776a
Posted in these groups: 
General Officers
General Officers
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 59
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Well SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL when I was a USMA, West Point cadet we had the honor to march in a corps-wide pass-in-review in honor of General of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley on the Plain at West Point in 1978. Omar Nelson Bradley and Dwight David Eisenhower were classmates from the USMA class of 1915.
In his West Point 1978 Founder's Day speech, General of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley said, "For 176 years the Long Gray Line has met the needs of our changing society while remaining an impregnable bastion of those ideals upon which our country was founded."
Omar Nelson Bradley died on April 8, 1981 in New York City.
I know many Generals who are currently serving: General Joe Votel [CENTCOM], General Raymond Tony Thomas [SOCOM] and General Vince Brooks [USFK] are classmates of mine from USMA class of 1980. There are other members of our class serving an 4 and 3 star generals still.
I know many other generals who retired in the past ten years or so.
Images: General of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley; General Vincent Brooks [Commander USFK];
General Raymond Thomas [Commander SOCOM]; General Joseph Votel [Commander CENTCOM]
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx Maj Marty Hogan PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins SSG William Wall MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne LTC Bill Koski Sgt Trevor Barrett SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes LTC Wayne Brandon SGT (Join to see)
In his West Point 1978 Founder's Day speech, General of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley said, "For 176 years the Long Gray Line has met the needs of our changing society while remaining an impregnable bastion of those ideals upon which our country was founded."
Omar Nelson Bradley died on April 8, 1981 in New York City.
I know many Generals who are currently serving: General Joe Votel [CENTCOM], General Raymond Tony Thomas [SOCOM] and General Vince Brooks [USFK] are classmates of mine from USMA class of 1980. There are other members of our class serving an 4 and 3 star generals still.
I know many other generals who retired in the past ten years or so.
Images: General of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley; General Vincent Brooks [Commander USFK];
General Raymond Thomas [Commander SOCOM]; General Joseph Votel [Commander CENTCOM]
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx Maj Marty Hogan PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins SSG William Wall MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne LTC Bill Koski Sgt Trevor Barrett SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes LTC Wayne Brandon SGT (Join to see)
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - Truly a great share. Thank you for the mention friend.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGT Michael Thorin - roger that my friend, well said and eloquently conveyed.
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SGT Robert George
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - All you people on RP are 5 Star Generals to Me ... Thanks
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SPC Margaret Higgins
SGT Robert George - WOW! It is simply Amazing, SGT Robert George that you think that all of us on Rally Point are 5 Star Generals!
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No, I've never met one, but you forgot two. While they never technically held 5 star rank, both George Dewey (Admiral of the Navy) and John J. Pershing (General of the Armies) are considered to be senior to any of the 5 stars. It was never made clear if they were senior by rank or by date of rank, but they are senior.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - thank you for the great share and mention brother, have a great evening.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth - likewise my friend, time for class all this week doing contracting certification. Had to get my reads/shares out today.
PO1 Tony Holland SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan SGT (Join to see) SGT Philip Roncari SPC Margaret HigginsSP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Jack Cardwell]] COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] CPL Dave Hoover SFC Shirley Whitfield SPC Jovani Daviu LTC Stephen F. SGT Jim Arnold SSG William Jones SrA Christopher Wright Capt Dwayne Conyers
PO1 Tony Holland SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan SGT (Join to see) SGT Philip Roncari SPC Margaret HigginsSP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Jack Cardwell]] COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] CPL Dave Hoover SFC Shirley Whitfield SPC Jovani Daviu LTC Stephen F. SGT Jim Arnold SSG William Jones SrA Christopher Wright Capt Dwayne Conyers
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Omar Bradley passed away when I was in. I never had the privilege of meeting him.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGT (Join to see) - wow, I know you will never forget it. Thank you for sharing my friend.
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Not so much as having met but have at least seen in person, first the newly elected President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower when our kindergarten Class watched His motorcade go by near My school on Pearl Harbor Navel Station where My Dad served in the US Navy. Eisenhower of course had held five star rank. Shortly after His farewell address to the Corp of Cadets at West Point I saw General Douglas MacArthur when He stood as reviewing Officer of the parade that followed that address. I watched as He rode a jeep, staning up holding a railing to troop the line across the front of the Cadet Corps in formation then proceed to the reviewing stand to watch the entire Cadet Regiment pass in Review with Him as the reviewing Officer. In both cases I had seen each of them they were in civilian clothes. Eisenhower wore a gray suit, MacArthur had on a black (or very dark blue) suit. The picture shown here is of that very parade with General MacArthur in the dark suit when that jeep was trooping the line. Notice the red plate with the five silver stars in a circle on the front of that jeep.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - Has me beat, I only got to see the governor of Michigan do the pass and review. That was in '92.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth - On a pass in review parade in the early 1970s at Hickham AFB, HI I got to see Admiral John McCain, (the Senator's Father) who was retiring from the US Navy. I was there for Security with the USAF 15th Security Police Squadron at Hickham AFB. . His last assignment was CINPAC, Commander in Chief Pacific. In the reviewing stand was President Nixon, plus the Commander of PACAF, a four star, a Navy and also Army Four star plus Washington DC brass and politicians behind them. the parade had every branch of the US armed Forces march in it with thousands of troops. the was also a massive Mitary flyover, first a B52, then a KC 135, a formation of Air Force Fighter, the Navy Fighter, then Marine Fighter followed by a dozen Army choppers. I remember one of our guys saying, I wonder what that cost the taxpayers.
The previous day I had seen Prime Minister Tanaka of Japan meet President Nixon of the US when the prime Minister arrived at Hickham AFB,on His aircraft. During the speech after wfrom both the Prime Minister and President I stood approx 100 Feet from both of the with a Agent from the Japanese Secret Service.
I had seen Admiral McCain a few times including a stop from Bob Hope for a show at US Army Schofield Barracks where Admiral McCain introduced Bob Hope. This was the 2nd time I'd seen bob Hope, the last was 1968 at Da Nang Viet Nam. While Admiral McCain was on the stage some guy from the audience yelled "Popeye" I have no idea what service the guy was but somehow that didn't seem to be a very good idea.
The previous day I had seen Prime Minister Tanaka of Japan meet President Nixon of the US when the prime Minister arrived at Hickham AFB,on His aircraft. During the speech after wfrom both the Prime Minister and President I stood approx 100 Feet from both of the with a Agent from the Japanese Secret Service.
I had seen Admiral McCain a few times including a stop from Bob Hope for a show at US Army Schofield Barracks where Admiral McCain introduced Bob Hope. This was the 2nd time I'd seen bob Hope, the last was 1968 at Da Nang Viet Nam. While Admiral McCain was on the stage some guy from the audience yelled "Popeye" I have no idea what service the guy was but somehow that didn't seem to be a very good idea.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - thank you for the great share, you have meet some interesting people.
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would have loved to meet one of these distinguished leaders
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
CPT Aaron Kletzing roger that, I have visited GENERAL OF THE ARMY MacArthur memorial it is incredible. To see a 5 star General Flag is amazing.
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Stephen C. LTC Stephen F. SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas SMSgt Lawrence McCarter CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 SFC William Farrell
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Stephen C. LTC Stephen F. SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas SMSgt Lawrence McCarter CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 SFC William Farrell
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - I have seen the 5 star General Flag at West Point on the parade following His farewell address to the Corp of Cadets. Standing in front of that was General MacArthur as the reviewing Officer of that parade. With Him stood the superintendent of the USMA a Lt Gen, plus one more General Officer. He had trooped the line in a jeep with a plate beating the 5 stats of His rank as well which then brought Him to the spot where He would review that parade. I had attended that parade as a Cadet spectator from Bordentown Military Institute, " Little Army" Bordentown, NJ on our annual trip to West point to witness that parade event first hand.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - truly amazing and I would like to say thank you, its only three RALLYPOINT MEMBERS, I KNOW OF. Thank you tremendously, if you have that picture, I have seen it once before, It would be grateful of GOA MacArthur.
SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan SGT (Join to see) SGT Philip Roncari SPC Margaret Higgins SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Jack Cardwell]] COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] CPL Dave Hoover SFC Shirley Whitfield SPC Jovani Daviu LTC Stephen F. SGT Jim Arnold SSG William Jones SrA Christopher Wright Capt Dwayne Conyers
SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan SGT (Join to see) SGT Philip Roncari SPC Margaret Higgins SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Jack Cardwell]] COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] CPL Dave Hoover SFC Shirley Whitfield SPC Jovani Daviu LTC Stephen F. SGT Jim Arnold SSG William Jones SrA Christopher Wright Capt Dwayne Conyers
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
My first RP medal, that is great, thank You so much ! One of our Cadets at Bordentown Military Institute, was taken picked up on campus and taken to lunch by General MacArhthur also as the General was trying to talk that Cadet into going to West Point. Notre Dame, and all the big one came to the campus to try and recruit Him and some other BMI players on the undefeated untied BMI football team. That Cadet was All American, All State, All prep and all private. There were 8 Cadets on that team that were also All State, All Prep and all private. Cadet Little and also Cadet Donald Hartlaub were both All American.
That Cadet, Floyd Douglas Little instead went to Syracuse University where He was also an All American. He latter played for the Denver Bronos and more recently became a member of the NFL Hall of fame. Floyd said He would like to have gone to West Point but Jim Brown anther well known Syracuse All American and NFL player talked him into going to Syracuse. The picture shown here is of Cadet SSgt Floyd Little having His jersey, number 77 retired at an athletic banquet with the Headmaster Dr. Harold Morrison Smith doing the honors. Cadet Little was the first player in the History of BMI to have His Jersey retired.
That Cadet, Floyd Douglas Little instead went to Syracuse University where He was also an All American. He latter played for the Denver Bronos and more recently became a member of the NFL Hall of fame. Floyd said He would like to have gone to West Point but Jim Brown anther well known Syracuse All American and NFL player talked him into going to Syracuse. The picture shown here is of Cadet SSgt Floyd Little having His jersey, number 77 retired at an athletic banquet with the Headmaster Dr. Harold Morrison Smith doing the honors. Cadet Little was the first player in the History of BMI to have His Jersey retired.
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I met 4 Star Admiral Mile Mullen in Afghanistan while touring our Fob in Farah, Afghanistan in late 2008. He had his Aide de Camp give out his coin.
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LTC Stephen Conway
SFC William Farrell -
No, I think he was an Army Major. I took photos there as well. He posed like Hillary Clinton Willie posing at her Cash Cow book signings that's going to be coming to the u.s. and Canada very soon. He was like a rockstar he was smiling at the camera shaking everybody's hand and people waiting in line. 60 Minutes was also there filming him as well. Our fob Commander was actually a Navy destroyer Commander 05 so he was used to dignitaries but to him it was like having Elvis come by. It was a good experience. Speaking to others stateside, the Contracting officers must have had to bribe some pakistanis to get this Conex box to our base in a hurry. That is how it's done though it's not well-known.
No, I think he was an Army Major. I took photos there as well. He posed like Hillary Clinton Willie posing at her Cash Cow book signings that's going to be coming to the u.s. and Canada very soon. He was like a rockstar he was smiling at the camera shaking everybody's hand and people waiting in line. 60 Minutes was also there filming him as well. Our fob Commander was actually a Navy destroyer Commander 05 so he was used to dignitaries but to him it was like having Elvis come by. It was a good experience. Speaking to others stateside, the Contracting officers must have had to bribe some pakistanis to get this Conex box to our base in a hurry. That is how it's done though it's not well-known.
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SFC William Farrell
LTC Stephen Conway - I was kidding! I remember I hit LTG Huntoon up for two coins at West Point during military retiree day. He hollered for his aide, a Colonel I think and then he gave me and my twin brother tow coins.
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SPC Casey Ashfield
I have the same coin from JCS Adm Mullen. He spoke at the send off ceremony for my unit and palmed one to everyone as we ran to the buses. Real solid guy and officer.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
I had the distinction??? of being one of the few that 4 Star General George Crist wouldn't chew up and spit out during operational briefings.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL while I cannot say that I met General MacArthur, I was there as a ten year old cub scout in 1962 when he bid farewell to the Corps of Cadets. We watched him on the parade field in his Jeep Willys in front of the Corps of Cadets. LTC Stephen F.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SFC Farrell , I was at that same parade You mention on our annual trip to West Point where I was a Cadet at Bordentown Military Institute, "Little Army" Bordentown, NJ on our annual trip to West Point. I remember exactly what You describe and the jeep trooping the line, then proceeding to the reviewing stand where when hte jeep stopped He raised His arm in a V for victory and people applauded. He then got out of the jeep and assumed his honored position as the the reviewing Officer of that parade.
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SFC William Farrell
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - I just said the same to you Lawrence in another comment! It was me, my twin brother and the best of the Cub pack. I loved going back to West Point on Military Police duty and some retiree days. Thanks.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SFC William Farrell - I also made a trip their later in the early 1980s My self as an adult and a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, ( which is the official Auxiliary of the USAF) with a group of CAP Cadets and of course included another parade of the Cadet Corp of USMA. . That is a place I always loved to visit.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC William Farrell SMSgt Lawrence McCarter thank you tremendously, I really am honored to have you share your experiences. It means a lot to me.
LTC Stephen C. LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen C. LTC Stephen F.
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Nope Can't Say as I have., I'll Just have to be Satisfied having worked on 4 Star ADM Thomas Hayward's Staff at CINCPACFLT and being Master at Arms for Chief of Staff COMSPAWARSYSCOM a 2 Star.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel thank you for the share my friend, that is some serious rank too!
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Never met a 5-Star. Best I can do is having met Vice Admiral James Stockdale, former POW and MOH recipient, and a one-on-one meeting with General William Westmoreland, former Commander, MACV, and Army Chief of Staff. Meeting with Gen Westmoreland was unplanned. He had just finished giving a lecture and his transportation, as I recall, was late. So, he ended up in my office for about 20 minutes where we chatted about the U. S. role on the world stage and solved other pressing world problems.
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SFC William Farrell
Nice MAJ Don Bigger. My twin brother, also a Vietnam vet met General Westmoreland in a bar in NYC after Veterans Day parade many years ago. The General question my brothers Vietnam service as he thought he was to young. We were 18 when we went over there in 1971. I read Admiral Stickdale's book, In Love and War. A Medal of Honor is on display at the Naval War college Museum for Stockdale. Probably a display copy.
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I only rubbed elbows with the signal corp general in 85 when he visited our communications site. Only time we got served steak and lobster and the Korean cooks over cooked it
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGT Jim Arnold my goodness what a bummer on the food, appreciate the solid response my friend!
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