 The character of George Custer is addressed as "General" Custer, and  he wears a cluster of stars on his collar. Although, during civil  war service, Custer received a "brevet", or temporary promotion to  brigadier general. At the Wars end he was returned to his permanent  rank of Lt. Colonel. While the public and media might refer to him  as "General" Custer, he never wore a cluster of stars on his  uniform, nor introduced himself as "General" Custer.