What posthumous military rank did Congress give George Washington for the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial?

Congress gave George Washington the posthumous rank of General of the Armies of the United States for the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial.

Public Law 94-479 was approved on January 19, 1976, and made the appointment effective July 4, 1976. The law stated that Washington would rank above all other officers, past or present, restoring his position as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer.

The title is distinct from General of the Army, a five-star rank created during World War II. Washington’s appointment was honorary and posthumous, recognizing his leadership of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. It did not mean that he served in the modern U.S. Army, which was established after his lifetime.