What rank did George Armstrong Custer hold at the Battle of The Little Big Horn?

skivvynine (imported) wrote: Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:04 pm What rank did George Armstrong Custer hold at the Battle of The Little Big Horn?

I believe he was a breveted (field promotion - therefore unconfirmed by Congress) brigadier general, which would mean that his actual appointed rank would have been Colonel in the US Army.

I do beleve you are right

I do beleve you are right

Wasn't he actually brevet Major General circa 1865-68 but at his death circa 1875 he was listed as Lieutenant Colonel - Commander of the 7th U.S. Cavalry?

Have no idea the difference between Major General vs General and Lieutenant Colonel vs Colonel... will let you US guys argue that one out.

Cheers

Custer was a Lieutenant Colonel at his death at the Battle of the Little Big Horn on 26 June, 1876.

skivvynine (imported) wrote: Thu Jan 17, 2008 5:36 am Custer was a Lieutenant Colonel at his death at the Battle of the Little Big Horn on 26 June, 1876.

Correct. He was breveted in the American Civil War, and when unconfirmed was reverted to rank.

For those interested, there are five ranks of General in the US Army. I always remembered them by the neologism of 'Be My Little General."

Brigadier = 1 star

Major General = 2 Stars

Lieutenant General = 3 stars

General = 4 stars

And, of course, 5 stars is General of the Army, as high as one can go, before sinking back down to Commander in Chief (President).

The last 5 star general I recall was Omar N. Bradley. On post the first parkinglot in front of any PX was reserved for him.

Does anyone know why the five start rank was created?

skivvynine (imported) wrote: Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:47 am Does anyone know why the five start rank was created?

Something to do, if I recall, with postumously honoring George Washington. Details unclear.

Eisenhower was also a 5-star. Did Bradley out-live him?

Custer was ranked second.

Sitting Bull was top seed in this event.

-NienNaziYahLittleNuts

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitting_Bull

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Armstrong_Custer