<P> Five - star ranks were created in the US military during World War II because of the awkward situation created when some American senior commanders were placed in positions commanding allied officers of higher rank . US officers holding five - star rank never retire ; they draw full active duty pay for life . The five - star ranks were retired in 1981 on the death of General of the Army Omar Bradley . </P>
<P> Five - star ranks were created in the US military during World War II because of the awkward situation created when some American senior commanders were placed in positions commanding allied officers of higher rank . US officers holding five - star rank never retire ; they draw full active duty pay for life . The five - star ranks were retired in 1981 on the death of General of the Army Omar Bradley . </P>
when was the last time we had a 5 star general
when was the last time we had a 5 star general
1981
1981