
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 18, 1991                   TAG: 9103180286
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA                                LENGTH: Short

SCHWARZKOPF MAY GET FIFTH STAR

The secretary of the army has discussed making Persian Gulf War hero Norman Schwarzkopf a five-star general, a rank last awarded more than four decades ago.

The secretary, Michael Stone, said Sunday he is also considering making Schwarzkopf the Army's chief of staff. But he said the final decision rests with the Pentagon and White House.

He said he will make a recommendation soon to Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney. But he declined to give further details.

A four-star general is the highest U.S. military rank, but a few famous battlefield leaders have been rewarded with a fifth star.

The last to reach the elite rank was Gen. Omar Bradley in 1950. Others include Gens. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, George C. Marshall and Henry H. "Hap" Arnold.

Four-star Gen. Carl E. Vuono became the Army's chief of staff in 1987.

by CNB