Lieutenant General

Lieutenant General is a military rank used in almost every country in the world. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, normally subordinate to a Captain General.

United States

In three branches of the United States military—the Army, Marines and Air Force—a Lieutenant General is a "three-star general," named for the three stars worn on the uniform.

Related Topics:
United States military - Army - Marines - Air Force - Uniform

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For most of the first half of the 19th Century this rank, like that of full General, existed only on paper. Until the American Civil War, only one officer was ever promoted to this rank, Winfield Scott, an honorary, or brevet, promotion in 1855. George Washington was listed as a Lieutenant General on the Continental Army rolls after his death since he wore three stars, but his actual military title was "General and Commander In Chief." The first full promotion to Lieutenant General would not take place until Ulysses S. Grant was promoted to that rank and elevated to Commanding General of the United States Army in 1864.

Related Topics:
General - American Civil War - Winfield Scott - Brevet - 1855 - George Washington - Continental Army - Ulysses S. Grant - Commanding General of the United States Army - 1864

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