1945 Ranks
The word generalissimo is Italian and is the absolute superlative of generale (general), from Latin -issimus, meaning "utmost, to the highest grade". While quite uncommon in the 20th Century, at different times in some countries, the term "generalissimo" was commonly used in several meanings within the scope of military operations. In France, in the XVI-XIX centuries, it was an honorary military title that was accorded to persons of royal dynasties and prominent statesmen. For the first time the title of Generalissimo, separated from the position of constable, was granted in 1569 in France by King Charles IX to his brother the Duke of Anjou (later King Henry III).
In the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire and Britain, it was used for the commander of the army in time of war or in-Chief of all the forces of the state. In Russia in the XVIII-XIX centuries, and Spain in the XIX-XX centuries, it was the highest rank, assigned for life.
In Russia, the title of "generalissimo" was first granted June 28, 1696 Peter I governor A. Shein of successful operations under the Azov (however, F. Yu Romodanovsky and II Buturlin were give the rank "Generalissimo of troops" was assigned to 2 years earlier in 1694. Officially, the rank of generalissimo in Russia was introduced military regulations 1716. Only AV Suvorov, being the greatest Russian commander, received the title of generalissimo in recognition of his brilliant military victories (the battle of Rymnik, taking Ishmael, the Swiss campaign battle, and others).
According to the memoirs of contemporaries, the question of conferring the title of generalissimo was discussed several times, but Stalin always rejected the proposal. It was only after the intervention of Marshal Rokossovsky (when he said: "Comrade Stalin, you and I, are Marshals, and as a Marshal you can not punish me!" that Stalin gave his consent.
"Stalin's reaction was very interesting to the offer" as recalled Konev "to assign him the title of Generalissimo. It was after the war. at the Politburo meeting, where they discussed the issue, attended by Zhukov, Vasilevsky, Rokossovsky and I (if I'm not mistaken). Stalin at first refused, but we strongly put forward the proposal. I talked about it twice. And I must say that at that time thought it was sincere and necessary. We are motivated by the fact that under the statute of the Russian army commander, won a great victory, a triumphant graduation from the campaign, it is assigned a rank.
Stalin repeatedly interrupted us, saying, "sit down" and then said about himself in the third person: "Do you want to assign Comrade Stalin Generalissimo? It is not necessary for Comrade Stalin. And Stalin has credibility without it, if you need a title for the authority. Comrade Stalin did not need any titles for the authority. Just think, we found the title for Comrade Stalin - Generalissimo Franco - Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek - Generalissimo. Needless to say, a good campaign for Comrade Stalin. You marshals, and I marshal. You want to put me out of the marshals? In some generalissimo? What is the title? Turn to me."
Much more time was spent wrangling. But Rokossovsky reported that Stalin gave his consent after he said: "Comrade Stalin, you and I, Marshal, Marshal, you can not punish me!". So on June 27, 1945 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Stalin was made the first and the last of that era. He was awarded the highest military rank of the Soviet Union - Generalissimus. From the shape of the Generalissimo, the proposed head of the Red Army. But Stalin refused and kept the form of marshal. Prior to that, on 26 June 1945, Kalinin signed a decree of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Council on awarding Stalin a second Order of the "Victory" and awarding him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Order it took Star of the Hero was refused, stating that this award is awarded for personal bravery on the battlefield. Therefore, it can not accept it. So he went with the star of the Hero of Socialist Labor, awarded to him on the occasion of the 60th anniversary. This was only depicted in portraits of him with two stars.
The shape and design for the insignia for Generalissimo of the Soviet Union were developed by the rear services of the Red Army, but during the life of Stalin they failed to approve it officially, and after his death, there was no need for it anymore. In one embodiment, in the uniform had epaulettes, which housed the emblem of the USSR and a large five-pointed star in a wreath of oak leaves. In the statement it was presented winter overcoat and shape for riding resembling general's uniform of the mid XIX century. Custom samples were rejected by Stalin, who considered it their too luxurious and unmodern. They are now stored in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow.
In fact, Generalissimo Stalin wore a standard uniform cut in general's style (before the introduction of the shoulder straps) with a jacket with a collar and four pockets, but a unique light gray color. The shoulder straps on the jacket were Marshal of the Soviet Union. Buttonholes general's greatcoat was red with gold trim and buttons. This form was official and depicted in portraits and posters. In the archives there are letters containing proposals for awarding of the title of Generalissimo to Lieutenant-General Nikita Khrushchev and Marshal of the Soviet Union Leonid Brezhnev.
The highest rank in the Armed Forces of modern Russia is the Marshal of the Russian Federation. Kim Il Sung (1912-1994) and Kim Jong Il [70] (1941-2011) were posthumously this rank. Antonio López de Santa Anna (1794-1876) of Mexico used this rank.
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