Presidents Day Trivia: Did you know George Washington got a promotion in 1976?

Despite heading the list of U.S. Presidents, George Washington didn’t have top billing in another important register: the Army rolls. He held the rank of lieutenant general at his death, which allowed other subsequent officers with superior grades to take precedence over him in the listing.

In 1976 Representative Mario Biaggi of New York sponsored House Joint Resolution 519 to correct this oversight. The resolution would posthumously elevate George Washington to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States, effective July 4, 1976. It also established that rank as the highest possible grade in the Army, taking precedence over all others past or present.

In recommending the resolution be passed, the Committee on Armed Services noted that “This legislation would recognize General Washington’s unique contribution in the formation and leadership of the Army and the Nation by completing an action initiated by the Congress during his lifetime.” Congress had created the rank of General of the Armies of the United States in 1799 when war with France appeared likely, but the threat of hostilities subsided and Washington was never appointed to hold the position.

President Ford approved the resolution on October 11, 1976.

Documents from the White House Records Office: Legislation Case Files, Box 62,  HJR519 Providing for the Promotion of George Washington.