New Levels

The Navy's project for giving more rank to top U.S. commanders, which sank when General George Marshall refused to consider becoming the first U.S. field marshal, was floated again last week. In both houses of Congress bills were introduced to give Army and Navy top-flighters equivalent rank with their British opposite numbers.

George Marshall's objection was neatly skirted by providing for a title with American precedent: General of the Armies. If the bills are passed, he and General "Hap" Arnold will get the new rank now held only by John J. Pershing, and held in the past only by three other U.S. fighting men: Grant, Sherman and Sheridan.

For the Navy's new level, two candidates were also put up: Admirals William D. Leahy, the President's personal Chief of Staff, and COMINCH Ernest J. King. Their titles in prospect: Admiral of the Navy. In the rank-conscious Navy, only George Dewey (died 1917) has ever gone so high before.

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