Why was the oak leaf chosen as rank for Major's and Lieutenant Colonels?

Answer 1

In the Army - one story is that the Gold Bar of a Lieutenant (LT) came from the ground (dirt level). And the Silver Bar is representative of the bottom bar or rung of a fence and is that insignia of a 1st LT. This bottom rung holds the fence together. The next rank Captain - looks like a fence (often thought of as railroad tracks) and that fence encloses a certain area that the fence (or Captain) is responsible for. The Major insignia is an Oak leaf and an Oak Tree grows strong and tall, and overlooks multiple fences (or commands). There was a time when a Major was a Squadron (Battalion) commander with many troops commanded by Captains. The Lieutenant (LTC/LtCol) rank is silver and is the older (old oak tree) and aged version of the gold leaf and may have originally been the leaf of a poplar tree with is considered a tougher/harder tree. (There is never any reference to the poplar in law or known history -- but is just a part of this story). A LTC also used to be the deputy regimental commander. A Colonel (COL/Col) insignia is that of an Eagle which soars high over all of the trees, and when necessary can swoop down to ground level (with devastating claws) and take care of business. A Colonel also used to command a regiment. Of course, the stars in the sky can overlook all things on the earth (or in the Army). There are many postings about ranks from LT to GEN, most of these are commonly known. This story was told to me (LTC) by a General Officer who read it in a book when he was a LT or CPT (but can no longer find the book). Let me know if you have it.