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As President of the U. S. he first got $25,000, then $50,000 a year.
Today a U. S. major general draws up to $808.33 a month (including allowances; his base pay is $666.67). Four lieutenant generals have the pay of major generals, plus annual, personal allowance of $500. As Chief of Staff and the only full general on active duty, George Catlett Marshall also draws a major general's pay, along with a $2,200 annual allowance. Highest-paid U. S. soldier is the retired, only living General of the Armies, John J. Pershing, who by Act of Congress has $21,500 a year ($13,500 in pay, $8,000 for "quarters, heat and light").
Typical officer pay is that of General Grant's grandson, U. S. Grant III, who as an engineer colonel with 37 years' service is entitled to a maximum of $600 monthly — more than three times what his distinguished granddad averaged in the service. Lowest-paid commissioned officers are the $125 shavetails. Best-off are flying officers, who, to the great envy of Army groundlings, on flying duty get 50% more than the normal base pay for their ranks,
U. S. military pay in World War I (base pay for privates: $30) was the envy of other armies. It still is. Average pay for German privates is equivalent to about $6 a month; for Italians, $7.50; Japanese, $4.65; Russians, $11.70; in May the French were getting only $1.05 per month. British Tommies average $18 a month.
* Sergeants in the three highest grades (staff, technical, master) continue to get $72 to $157.50 a month, depending on rank and length of service. These are base rates: noncoms (not otherwise furnished with quarters or rations) as well as commissioned officers may draw additional allowances for rent, subsistence, special ratings.