Military DictionaryMilitary Dictionary and Gazetteerπ₯
insignia of rank Are badges or distinguishing marks of office of
honor. In the army of the United States the rank of officers is
determined by the insignia on the epaulettes and shoulder-straps, and is
as follows:βFor the general commanding the army, two gold-embroidered stars of five
rays, one on each side equidistant between the centre and the outer edge
of the strap, and a gold-embroidered shield in the centre. For the
lieutenant-general, three silver-embroidered stars of five rays, one
star on the centre of the strap, and one on each side equidistant
between the centre and outer edge of the strap; the centre star to be
the largest. For the major-generals, two silver-embroidered stars, the
centre of each star to be one inch from the outer edge of the gold
embroidery on the outer ends of the straps, both stars of the same size.
For a brigadier-general, the same as for a major-general, except that
there will be but one star instead of two. For a colonel, the same as
for a major-general, omitting the stars and introducing a
silver-embroidered eagle; cloth of the strap as follows: for the general
staff and staff corps--dark blue; artillery--scarlet; infantry--light or
sky-blue; cavalry--yellow. For a lieutenant-colonel, the same as for a
colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle, and introducing a
silver-embroidered leaf at each end. For a major, the same as for a
colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle, and introducing a
gold-embroidered leaf at each end. For a captain, the same as for a
colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle, and introducing at each
end two gold-embroidered bars. For a first lieutenant, the same as for a
colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle, and introducing at each
end one gold-embroidered bar. For a second lieutenant, the same as for a
colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle. For a brevet second
lieutenant, the same as for a second lieutenant.β
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