Only those with a rank of 5 stars or above are listed. The highest rank currently held by anyone in the military is 4 stars (Generals & Admirals). There are dozens serving at the present time. It is unlikely that anyone will be given a higher rank anytime in the near future.

Listed by rank then seniority (date appointed to the rank)

The ranks General of the Armies and Admiral of the Navy (held by the top three on this list) have only ever been essentially honorary ranks as all three were given these ranks after their service.

* George Washington was posthumously appointed General of the Armies of the United States in 1976 and it was specified that he would forever be considered the highest ranking military officer of the United States. Where he would rank otherwise is debatable. While ranked a Lieutenant General , he was the most senior officer and the only Lieutenant General. The same is true of Ulysses S. Grant who was made the second person to permanently hold this rank on March 2, 1864. All Civil War Generals till that time (including the commanding) were ranked Major General. Grant's appointment was done with caution as if he performed poorly as commander of all the armies of the United States it would be difficult to remove him and replace him with another as had been done previous commanders in the Civil War as all other Generals would in fact be of a lower rank than Grant. George Washington was in fact considered 'commander in chief' of the Continental Army, a title that since the adoption of the constitution has been reserved for the (civilian) President alone.

Robert E. Lee was made 'general-in-chief' of Confederate forces on January 31, 1865.

# Henry H. Arnold was made General of the Army on December 21, 1944. The Air Force was created in 1947 and Arnold was made the first and so far only General of the Air Force on May 7, 1949.