Generalissimo rank has been used in whole Russian/Soviet history only twice. First it was used before Bolshevik's regime and archieved by Alexander Suvorov, Prince Braunshveigs and Alexaned Menshikov. Then it was accepted again from June 26, 1945, and achieved by Josef Stalin.

On Red Army Ranks:

http://www.battlefield.ru/library/bo...ats/stat2.html

The next excerpt is one story on how Stalin got named Generalissimo.

There is a very interesting story (factual) as told in a book by Marshall Konev, regarding a meeting of the CPSU Politburo where the question of awarding the title Generalissimo to Stalin was discussed (as quoted from the latest book by the well-known and respected Soviet writer Constantin Simonov, titled "With Eyes of My Generation, Reflections on J.V. Stalin"):

"Present were Zhukov, Vasilevski, I and Rokossovski...

"Stalin had interrupted us on several occasions and finally said, "Sit down please, then began talking about himself in the third person:

"You want to award the title of Generalissimo to Comrade Stalin. Why is this so necessary for Comrade Stalin? Comrade Stalin does not need it, Comrade Stalin possesses authority without the title. It is you who need the titles for authority. Stalin does not need any titles for his authority. See, they found a title for Comrade Stalin... Generalissimo! Chiang Kai Shek is also a Generalissimo. Franco is a Generalissimo. Without elaborating, it is real pleasant company for me, Comrade Stalin?? You are all Marshals; I, too am a Marshall. Do you now want to remove me from the ranks of Marshal? Into some sort of Generalissimo? What on earth is that title? Translate it for me.

"It became necessary for us Marshals to bring in several historical books and statutes to explain that this would be only the fourth time in the history of the Russian Army, after Menshikov and one other and Suvorov. In the end he agreed, just to get rid of us."

Stalin always stated (never getting tired of repeating it) "We are all disciples of Lenin."

http://www.northstarcompass.org/nsc0003/shenin.htm

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