George Washington is the highest-ranking officer to have served in the United States military. Still, it took 178 years since his last promotion and 177 years after his death before that accomplishment was realized.
In preparation for an anticipated war with France, Washington rose to the rank of lieutenant general in 1798, by order of President John Adams. While that war did not materialize, Washington remained the senior military officer in the United States until his death seventeen months later.
On September 3, 1919, General John J. Pershing was promoted to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States. He was the only person to be awarded this rank while still living. In 1976 Congress declared that no one should outrank George Washington, so they authorized his promotion, giving him seniority over Pershing, who, by this point, was also deceased.
Why the BBC Banned “Deep in the Heart of Texas” During Working Hours
During WWII, the BBC kept “Deep in the Heart of Texas” off factory broadcasts because workers might stop working to clap along.
The Smothers Brothers: How Two Nice Boys with a Guitar and Bass Became Television Troublemakers
Meet the Smothers Brothers, whose CBS variety show mixed music, satire, politics, and censorship—and helped change American television.
Scott Joplin and “The Entertainer”: How a 1902 Rag Became a 1970s Pop Hit
Discover how Scott Joplin’s 1902 rag “The Entertainer” became a 1970s pop hit, plus surprising stories from the life of the King of Ragtime.
Leave a Reply