the.com/stripped of stars
what happens when a general's own government decides the epaulettes were on loan.
means a formal military demotion or dishonor in which rank insignia, medals, or honors are officially revoked.
from draws on the literal image of stars as rank insignia on military uniforms, epaulettes, and shoulder boards; stripping them is a ceremonial and symbolic undoing, echoed in journalism and history writing whenever a decorated figure falls from grace.
ceremony existsformal drumming-out rituals once publicly removed insignia
beyond militaryused metaphorically for disgraced executives and politicians
stars equal rankin most armies, star count signals general officer level