What military rank did Congress posthumously award George Washington effective on July 4, 1976?

Congress posthumously awarded George Washington the rank of General of the Armies of the United States, effective July 4, 1976.

The honor was established through Public Law 94-479, which Congress passed during the Bicentennial year. Its purpose was to ensure that Washington would rank first among all officers of the United States Army, past and present.

Washington had commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later became the first president of the United States. Although he had held the Continental Congress rank of general during his lifetime, the 1976 legislation gave him a distinct and superior honorary status.

The title is often confused with “General of the Army,” the five-star rank used by senior U.S. officers in the 20th century. “General of the Armies” is a separate title associated with Washington and, during his lifetime, John J. Pershing.