Bradley’s Fifth Star

A Feb. 20 letter stated that Omar Bradley wore five stars during WWII. Gen. Bradley didn’t receive his fifth star until 1950.

The five-star general of the Army rank was first provided for as a “temporary grade” by the 78th Congress, approved Dec. 14, 1944, and was not made permanent until March 23, 1946, by the 79th Congress. There have been only five generals of the Army: George C. Marshall, Dec. 16, 1944; Douglas MacArthur, Dec. 18, 1944; Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dec. 20, 1944; Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, Dec. 21, 1944; and lastly, Omar N. Bradley, Sept. 20, 1950.

It should be pointed out that Gen. Arnold’s rank was redesignated to general of the Air Force in May 1949.

Robin DeWitt

Canoga Park