"Bob Dole promoted to Colonel at 95" Topic

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Finally, something Congress is good for.

He was promoted from captain to colonel? Didn't they skip a few ranks there? And which troops is he going to lead into battle at 95 years old?

I admire Bob Dole, but hate this kind of thing.

An honorary rank, much like the British make Knights as a reward for Lifetime Service & Achievements.

I'm afraid I don't see the point. He has already been appropriately recognized and decorated for his service.

It is a nice gesture. Dole is one of the most famous WW II vets who is still alive. Actually, I was not aware he was still alive, until this post. Thank you, Winston. I was not aware of his military service, nor his medals, either. I always respected the man, now I have more reasons to do so.

The American veterans of WW II, are not like most of the younger generations of the USA, today. It was a different time, and attitudes and values were different then, as well. I just wish they had done this long ago, so he could better appreciate the gesture. Cheers!

I'm not in favor of this kind of thing in general. Do not take that as a negative against Bob Dole, he served his country honorably in both the military and political life.

Bob Dole himself would probably say this is a bit of a hollow gesture. But he's probably the one politician I am willing to give a pass to.

Washington keeps getting posthumously promoted, I believe, every time they introduce a new flag rank, like when Grant was promoted or they started having 5 star's during WW2. I wonder if his estate is getting back pay…

"On March 13, 1978, Washington was posthumously promoted to the full grade of General of the Armies of the United States, with effective date from July 4, 1976. The promotion was authorized by a congressional joint resolution on January 19, 1976 which recommended Washington's promotion and further declared that no officer of the United States armed forces should ever outrank George Washington."