The Five-Star rank in the United States Military was created during the 2nd World War. Only nine individuals have held this rank; one individual held it in two different services.
In the Army, the title is "General of the Army".
In the Navy, the title is "Fleet Admiral".
In the Air Force, the title is "General of the Air Force".
As part of the Bicentennial, George Washington was given the title "General of the Armies" effective July 4, 1776 -- and permanently out-ranks any general that has ever served or ever will serve in the United States.
General John Pershing was also given the title "General of the Armies" in 1919 but was never formally awarded a 5th (or 6th) star. When WWII broke out, General Pershing was still alive. It was determined that he technically outranked all five-star generals by virtue of seniority.
A five-star general remains on active duty for life. The rank was retired upon the death of General Omar Bradley in 1981.
