Generalissimo of the Soviet Union

Generalissimo of the Soviet Union (Russian: Генералиссимус Советского Союза, romanized: Generalissimus Sovetskogo Soyuza) was the highest military rank in the Soviet Armed Forces. Created on 26 June 1945 following the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, it was awarded to Premier Joseph Stalin the next day. Stalin, the only person to ever hold this rank, soon came to regret accepting the title, viewing it as overly ostentatious. He rejected the proposed opulent uniform and continued to wear the insignia and uniform of his pre-existing rank, Marshal. Though never awarded again, the rank officially remained in Soviet military statutes until 1993.