Who is your greatest 5 Star General/Admiral or above of all time in the United States of America military and why?

2014-01-09T04:42:27-05:00

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur (26 January 1880 – 5 April 1964) was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army who was Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the Philippines Campaign, which made him and his father Arthur MacArthur, Jr., the first father and son to be awarded the medal. He was one of only five men ever to rise to the rank of General of the Army in the U.S. Army, and the only man ever to become a field marshal in the Philippine Army.

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Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 5:08 AM

2014-01-09T05:08:09-05:00

Great post, especially for those of us that dont know much of the history. But now I'm intrigued to do some research. Im actually a little embarrassed of my lack of knowledge.

Response by SFC Joseph Bosley made Jan 9 at 2014 10:19 AM

2014-01-09T10:19:11-05:00

Whereas I Agree that GA MacArthur was a great leader and combat commander lets not forget the he was fired by President Truman for insubordination. This takes him out of the running in my opinion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 10:40 AM

2014-01-09T10:40:30-05:00

It would have to be Washington. He faced off against the superpower of the time with almost nothing in the way of forces. And won.MacArthur, for all his strong leadership early in his career, was out of his depth by the time WWII started. He had several hours of warning that a Japanese fleet was on the way to the Philippines, and did nothing. His air fleet, at the time the largest in the world, was destroyed on the ground in tight little clumps. He gambled the lives of multiple divisions of American troops in Korea on the Chinese not entering the war. And lost that bet, costing tens of thousands of lives. Finally, he was so insubordinate toward President Truman that he was relieved for cause. Those are not the actions of a great American General.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 9 at 2014 11:55 AM

2014-01-09T11:55:06-05:00

Certainly not MacArthur.  I've talked to WW-II vets that had 1st person interactions with him.  He was a bit of a premadonna.  I've also known someone who was close to Patton.  His impression was the man was absolutely brilliant & seriously insane at the same time.  But Patton would have never gotten 5 stars.  Ike was okay but the one that always impressed me was Omar Bradley.  He was a soldier's solder, always concerned for the troops, fair, & not flamboyant with his rank.  He did so much for the reconstruction of Europe after the war making him very flexible in his duties.

Response by CPT Keith Steinhurst made Jan 9 at 2014 11:58 AM

2014-01-09T11:58:11-05:00

I would not vote for General MacArthur, though I really respect him and love his Duty, Honor Country speech - it is hard for me to understand his leading a saber charge against veterans and thier families assembled in Washington on 28 July 1932 (read about the 'Bonus Army') - a sad episode to be certain. I like General Bradley, ADmirals Nimitz and Halsey, and General Henry 'Hap' Arnold - General Arnold held the rank twice - Army and Air Force and is largely credited with being the father of US Air Power!

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jan 9 at 2014 12:45 PM

2014-01-09T12:45:15-05:00

I'd have to go with either Admiral Bull Halsey, or Admiral Nimitz. Earned his pilots wings at 52 to command a Carrier. Was an effective commander during World War II, and Chester Nimitz was the CINCPAC during World War II. I"m not a huge fan of MacArthur.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 2:01 PM

2014-01-09T14:01:00-05:00

If I had to chose, it has to be General George Washington. As the first General of the Army during the Revolutionary War, he set the standard for all military leaders. He led one of the most poorly trained and supported military forces in history to victory over a far superior adversary. His accomplishments are legendary. He created the first and inarguably one of the most capable military intelligence organizations this nation has ever produced. General Washington's tactical prowess during the Revolutionary War, specifically at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, restored Colonial resolve and revitalized the morale of the Continental Army. There could not have been a United States of America without him.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Jan 9 at 2014 11:54 PM

2014-01-09T23:54:52-05:00

SFC Joe D: Have to go with General Washington. Undoubtedly all on the list are great military officers. Only two became Presidents. Only one risked ALL for his country...lives, fortunes, sacred honor as at the end of the Declaration of Independence. Everybody else had something to come home to. He was the Father  of our country. He could have become king, but had the strength of character to insist that the country be lead by an elected President. He won our battles and war for independence with little more than determination and tenacity, but he also structured our freedom and democracy so we would stay independent. I see no flag officer on the list that accomplished one fifth of what Washington did, making Washington a giant among giants. General Eisenhower would be a distant second place, but one of this country's greatest leaders. An excellent read on Washington is "His Excellency, George Washington" by Joseph J. Ellis.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 12:17 AM

2014-01-10T00:17:08-05:00

I will go with McArthur followed by Omar Bradley.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Jan 10 at 2014 11:08 PM

2014-01-10T23:08:59-05:00

This is a tough question and clearly no front runner all 5 stars have contributed to teamwork and leadership of the Military, I would choose George Marshal followed by Gen Bradley! Look forward to other view points.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 12:11 PM

2014-01-11T12:11:56-05:00

General John J. Pershing is my vote. He brought the Allied Armies together at a critical time during World War One. And he did not stop after the war. He was a key mentor for future Generals Patton, Eisenhower, Bradley, and Marshall. That's more than MacArthur did, and remember, he got canned by President Truman for pushing against China. 

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 2:09 PM

2014-01-11T14:09:53-05:00

This is a tough question! GEN Douglas MacArthur has always been a favorite of mine. I usually enjoy leaders who had leadership styles outside the norm, but always had the faith and confidence of their men. His quotes are some of the best of all time.

Another favorite general is one whom I've had the pleasure of meeting and working for, GEN Tommy R. Franks, when I first ever deployed to Afghanistan. He will always be an all time favorite of mine. He's also a two time Vietnam vet. Plus he wore a holstered custom Springfield .45 ...what's not to like?

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Jan 12 at 2014 2:19 AM

2014-01-12T02:19:23-05:00

General Douglas MacArthur hands down, with no debate!

Response by COL George Antochy made Jan 12 at 2014 11:28 PM

2014-01-12T23:28:17-05:00

A true Soldier's Soldier, General Bradley. 

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 9:56 AM

2014-01-13T09:56:34-05:00

McAurther

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 11:38 PM

2014-01-13T23:38:26-05:00

There's an interesting slide show here that may enliven the discussion. It only 20th century generals and not all of them are 5-stars:
l

Why Bad Generals Don't Get Sacked Anymore

WASHINGTON -- As the country chooses a president Tuesday, a timely new book by a veteran military writer makes the case that it is now easier to sack the commander in chief than it is to remove the g...

Response by MAJ Derrick J. made Jan 19 at 2014 1:24 AM

2014-01-19T01:24:19-05:00

I'd have to echo a comment down below about Washington being the greatest General in American history.

If I am choosing from modern history persons, I'd have to put my vote to MacArthur... he had real stones, even speaking his mind to a sitting president. Guts - that's the man he was.

Response by SGT Byron Labadie made Feb 5 at 2014 9:51 AM

2014-02-05T09:51:09-05:00

I would have to guess Omar Bradley, since I remember very clearly being told that parking in his reserved parking space at the Fort Bliss PX was a capitol offense. "One would be better off stealing a Hercules missle and taking it across the border to Juarez, or robbing the credit union, than to park in General Bradley's parking space. You might eventually see the light of day for doing the other crimes, but the parking thing will be the end of you". - Unknown XO.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-04-30T11:44:44-04:00

I'm a U.S. Grant fan. The guy did what was necessary after McClellan almost single-highhandedly lost the war for the North.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Apr 30 at 2014 11:45 AM

2014-04-30T11:45:50-04:00

General of the Army Omar Bradley 20 September 1950

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 19 at 2014 4:44 AM

2014-09-19T04:44:45-04:00

I think it is "The General" cause he can help you save money on your car insurance. Next would be General Chang cause that crispy chicken is awesome!!
lol, kidding

Don't have a favorite but I never did like MacArthur.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 11:36 PM

2014-10-25T23:36:45-04:00

One can't discount Ike's ability to balance the politics of Allied Europe with handling the military campaign of the Eurasian theater.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 11:45 PM

2014-10-25T23:45:11-04:00

I'm going to go with Admiral Nimitz. firstly because I'm a Navy man. Secondly because none of those WWII Generals would have achieved any greatness if the Navy hadn't gotten them there in the first place. Your welcome.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 29 at 2014 9:46 PM

2014-10-29T21:46:18-04:00

1.GENERAL OF THE ARMIES WASHINGTON
2.FLEET ADMIRAL CHESTER W NIMITZ
3.FLEET ADMIRAL BULL HALSEY

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Nov 7 at 2014 4:32 PM

2014-11-07T16:32:47-05:00

All mentioned are worthy. I don't have much respect for Adm King though.
Washington is certainly the sentimental favorite and was a hell of a commander.
I reluctantly choose two: MacArthur and Nimitz. They managed to mold two strategies into a winning plan in an extremely difficult theater. And didn't make a lot of mistakes on the way.
My opinion only. Your results may vary.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 3:51 PM

2014-11-09T15:51:34-05:00

Admiral Dewey. The only "admiral of the navy"

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Dec 7 at 2014 9:55 PM

2014-12-07T21:55:34-05:00

General of the Army Omar Bradley, anyone who had to deal Lt General Patton, even when he personally felt that he should been shipped back to the States for incidents some of the incidents that did in North Africa and Italy, during the campaign in Europe. To be able to keep him and his Ego in check in the best and worst of times after he was came ashore in France, in no short testimony to his his abilities of Leaderships. Sure he had his flaws and his limitations, but look at the list of Division he helped in with organizing that included the 28th and 82nd Infantry Divisions. One of his famous quotes while Commander of the 28th Infantry came after he received order to send a cadre to help form another new Division, to which he responded with, "When are you going to send me Cadre to organize a Division here." When you consider he had to work beside and sometime under the Command of Marshal Montgomery, and having much longer supply lines, he did the what he could keep his units moving.

Response by SrA Andrea West made Dec 8 at 2014 10:15 AM

2014-12-08T10:15:02-05:00

Dwight Eisenhower is a personal hero of mine for pulling the trigger on D-Day. That was one tough decision.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 10:28 AM

2014-12-08T10:28:14-05:00

I have to go with George Washington.

He had a ragtag group with little or no training and very little subsistence or substance support. He helped create a great spy ring (intelligence) that directly aided the victory over the British who were vastly superior (had training, equipment, more men).

No other on the list did more with less.
#Merica

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 12:18 AM

2015-01-18T00:18:30-05:00

Maybe because he was never a General in the Union army or...Robert E Lee was in my opinion the greatest military genius the United States has ever seen Most feel that had Lee anywhere near the resources of the North the "Civil war" would have had a very different outcome

Washington, though a sentimental favorite hardly commanded forces larger than normally delegated a Colonel, such were the times and communications

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 12:18 AM

2015-01-18T00:18:53-05:00

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jan 18 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-01-18T00:29:15-05:00

My personal opinion:
General Robert E. Lee. The single greatest general in U.S. history. He lacked the political prowess to be a very successful general, but that doesn't mean he was bad. In fact, I'd say that would make him even better. He repeatedly won merit for conduct and bravery in war. His tactical skills were only bested by the political mind of Lincoln.

I'm still torn on whether he was the very definition of an American patriot or a traitor...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 1:12 AM

2015-01-18T01:12:24-05:00

John J. Pershing WW I and Dwight D. Eisenhower WW II.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Mar 4 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-03-04T15:24:35-05:00

I am not a fan of Dugout Dug. I personnally liked Marshal and Bradley the best. Me = extensive reader. All of them have a lot of criticism and all did exceptionally well in their era. Our first CinC General George Washington though...

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 4 at 2015 3:30 PM

2015-03-04T15:30:37-05:00

I would have to say all are the same. I myself though Prefer washington just because he had the balls to attack on Christmas and he led an army during his time as president

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 4 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-03-04T15:34:25-05:00

I read a couple of his the book's and you want the truth I look at it the other way..... he tried to tell them how how to win.....and they would not listen...

Response by MSgt Charles Johnson made Mar 6 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-03-06T11:20:32-05:00

My vote is for Washington our countries Father and our shining example of a Leader who was not just brilliant as a warrior and especially as a organizer / logistical genius, but who also chose to NOT become a King when it was offered. And that alone is enough to make him the greatest.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 6 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-03-06T15:47:44-05:00

Hahahaha I also like MacArthur cuz he had the balls during Korean War to tell the POTUS "U GIVE ME 5 atom bombs..... I'll take care of the liberal Chicoms now

Response by CSM Mark Gerecht made Mar 6 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-03-06T19:10:13-05:00

Absolutely without a doubt General Aelius Maximus Of Gladiator movie fame played by Russell Crow

Sorry could not resist.

My vote is General Omar Bradley. Known as the Soldier's General. Very objective and treated his soldiers with dignity and respect

A quote from General
George C. Marshall called him "quiet, unassuming, capable, with sound common sense. Absolute dependability. Give him a job and forget it

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Mar 6 at 2015 11:07 PM

2015-03-06T23:07:47-05:00

Douglas MacArthur. And, no, he didn't deserve his medal of honor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-04-01T21:45:40-04:00

Well, if it is General of the Army (5 star) I might have to go with Bradley. why him? He was a Soldiers, Soldier. He was willing to get dirty and slug it out with the Joes. Although Marshall and Eisenhower did have their moments as well. Marshall having to deal with the egos in both oceans. Anyone care to hazard the war with MacArthur and Patton in the same AO? Ike had to maintain a coalition and defeat the Germans.

But what about Arnold (not that one, Hap Arnold) first a General of the Army, and then following the creation of the Air Force became General of the Air Force. So he gets a 2 for 1.

I don't think for the purposes of the discussion that the Post Civil War; General of the Armies (4 star) would count. Given the era, it seems as if congress was creating a rank based on a position. One that we now call, Cheif of Staff. That removes Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan.

Since we are on 4 star General of the Armies, I think Pershing counts. Just based upon his dealings before World War I help to cement his legend. What he did in the Philippines was brilliant.

But there is the "First amongst equals," General of the Armies of the United States, a potential 6 star rank. Bestowed on George Washington in recognition of his service to the nation:

"Whereas Lieutenant General George Washington of Virginia commanded our armies throughout and to the successful termination of our Revolutionary War;

Whereas Lieutenant General George Washington presided over the convention that formulated our Constitution;

Whereas Lieutenant General George Washington twice served as President of the United States of America; and

Whereas it is considered fitting and proper that no officer of the United States Army should outrank Lieutenant General George Washington on the Army list: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) for purposes of subsection (b) of this section only, the grade of General of the Armies of the United States is established, such grade to have rank and precedence over all other grades of the Army, past or present.

(b) The President is authorized and requested to appoint George Washington posthumously to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States, such appointment to take effect on July 4, 1976.

Personally, I think its a tight race between Washington and Bradley. Sure Washington had to fall back on French reinforcements. But look at what Washington started with, molded, built, and finished with. The United Colonies lost a lot of the battles, but with the adoption of Indian tactics (c'mon, who hides behind trees to shoot?) he was able to keep the Army and the militias together long enough to win the war. Not many can claim that. Plus figure in the politics of maintaining an army without a budget, and George shines even more.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-05-06T15:15:36-04:00

I would have to give the nod to FADM Chester Nimitz. He was absolutely crucial to holding the Japanese Imperial Navy at bay with only what was left after Pearl Harbor, inflicting a crushing defeat on Japan at Midway, Phillipine Sea, and Leyte Gulf. He was the man to sign for the United States on the deck of the Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

Not bad for a man who was Court Marshalled for running his Destroyer aground as an Ensign.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 6 at 2015 1:37 AM

2015-08-06T01:37:50-04:00

I am amazed at how Army centric the responses are. I'm glad there are some Navy/Marine Corps folks out there, speaking up for the sea services, though...

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Aug 6 at 2015 1:39 AM

2015-08-06T01:39:08-04:00

George C. Marshal. He organized and oversaw the greatest human endeavor in history. He created the plan named after him, a plan that restored Europe after utter devastation.

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Aug 18 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-08-18T20:18:49-04:00

I like GA Eisenhower Sarge!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 20 at 2015 12:12 PM

2015-08-20T12:12:38-04:00

Eisenhower

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Aug 21 at 2015 6:40 PM

2015-08-21T18:40:31-04:00

I'm going with Bradley, because he was the ONLY person on the planet that could control Patton.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 21 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-08-21T19:10:17-04:00

Omar Bradley, a soldiers soldier, nothing more needs to be said. Douglas MacArthur couldn't/wouldn't follow the orders of his president and was relieved. Eisenhower, was a brilliant strategist, Mac Arthur referred to him as the best Clerk he ever had. Bradley got out there and led from the front, took the same hardships that his troops did. None of the others were known for that.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Dec 6 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-12-06T22:53:49-05:00

MacArthur and then Patton. Patton had a reputation as a hard ass, but only relieved one General of command. Bradley relived several and recommended the death penalty to several soldiers. MacArthur and Patton led from the front; the others from the rear. They both had more command time. Roosevelt and Truman feared MacArthur because they thought he would run for President. Marshall did not sign on to relieving MacArthur. Truman relieved MacArthur through Bradley. Roosevelt went to his commanders and listened. My 2 cents, all were great in their own right. But, leaders got to lead.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 7 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-12-07T13:56:59-05:00

Another 5 star who often gets overlooked but without his forethought the post war would have been very different...Marshall. Were it not for the Marshall plan much of Europe would have fallen to the communists then what did. The out come of US century might have been altered forever.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 7:17 PM

2016-03-21T19:17:19-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL My favorite 5 Star General is General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The reason is because he mastered the art of leadership. His greatest attribute was always being able to look at a situation the next level up. From the perspective of this view point he was able to accurately analyze the needs of the Army. The way Soldiers are trained today is reflective of his insistence that a Soldier not only know how to perform a task but that they understand the reasons behind performing the tasks. He also recognized the need for leaders who are logical and analytical. Officers who could act quickly making decisions and not be stuck in following methods. He was the first to institute what we now refer to as mission oriented leadership.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 21 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-03-21T21:55:50-04:00

When I was a cadet at USMA, West Point from 1976 to 1980 I had the honor to be part of the Corps of cadets which paraded for General of the Armies Omar Bradley SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. While he was confined in a wheelchair and wrapped in blankets his eyes were intense as he understood the significance of the parade in honor of this old soldier.
I believe you were stationed at West point as well during this parade SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT.

Response by SSgt John Carter made May 18 at 2017 8:55 PM

2017-05-18T20:55:46-04:00

MacArthur was a attention seeking prima donna who was highly overrated. Korea proved that. I'd have to say Hap Arnold. Must have been hard building a professional air force under the then bureaucracy of the Army. He managed and was the only 5 star General in 2 branches of the Military (Army-Air Force)

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2017 9:39 PM

2017-08-22T21:39:26-04:00

Strictly 5-star, Fleet Admiral Nimitz. In a past life, I wanted to be a submarine officer. Silent, calm, cool, collected, cunning. Nimitz is my guy, always, everytime (and especially when played by Henry Fonda, lol!)
If we're counting the super-high-are-they-five-stars-or-not, Admiral of the Navy Dewey is a good one to study, but I have to admit I think I'd still put Nimitz above Dewey, personally.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Aug 24 at 2017 12:10 AM

2017-08-24T00:10:26-04:00

Douglas MacArthur.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2020 8:04 PM

2020-11-19T20:04:41-05:00

I do not know it remember any other 5-Star General...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 20 at 2020 6:40 AM

2020-11-20T06:40:27-05:00

General George S. Patton, a no nonsense, hard charging officer.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Oct 19 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-10-19T16:37:13-04:00

General Dwight D. Isenhower

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 19 at 2021 6:44 PM

2021-10-19T18:44:01-04:00

I would say Eisenhower. He did some major planning in our N Africa and European campaigns. He was a significant planner and had to deal with prima donna generals. Planning for D-Day was huge.

Response by PVT Robert Chandler made Oct 20 at 2021 5:22 AM

2021-10-20T05:22:33-04:00

IKE, MacArthur, And 2 more. There has been 4. To go from I been told from a 4 star to 5 one must be in Supreme Comand of several others military at the same time. But is it the UN in the way also?