Short answers, pulled from the story.
The official insignia consists of four silver stars arranged in a row. This visual marker distinguishes the rank from lower grades like lieutenant general which displays three stars.
The Army maintains a cap of 219 general officers while the Marine Corps allows only 64. The Air Force operates under a limit of 171 and the Navy restricts its flag officers to 150. The Space Force holds a much smaller quota of just 21 general officers.
The president nominates candidates but the United States Senate must confirm the nominee before they assume office. This legislative check ensures civilian oversight over military leadership appointments.
Statute mandates that all general officers retire the month after their 64th birthday unless reappointed. The secretary of defense holds authority to defer retirement until the officer reaches age 66.
These five-star designations were recreated specifically for World War II operations. They exist only for significant wartime use and remain reserved for times of national emergency or declared war.