How many individuals have held the rank of 5-star general in the U.S. Army?

The U.S. Army has a unique and storied history regarding the rank of 5-star general, officially known as General of the Army. This rank has been held by five distinguished individuals in total. The first to achieve this rank was General George C. Marshall in 1944, followed by Generals Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Henry H. Arnold (who was also a General of the Air Force), and Omar Bradley.

This distinction is significant as the 5-star rank places these generals in a unique category, recognized for their extraordinary contributions during pivotal moments in U.S. history, particularly in World War II. Other ranks, like General of the Air Force and Fleet Admiral in the Navy, are comparable but are considered separate from the Army's designation. The limited number of individuals reaching this rank underscores its elite status within the military hierarchy.

The choice reflecting five individuals accurately captures the historical context of the 5-star general rank in the U.S. Army.