it means what rank the person is. it can be a 1* general all the way up to 5*
50, one for each state
Not in the US Army. They wear a gold oak leaf.
The US Army recognized the Stars and Stripes on the day it was adopted as the flag of the United States of America, 14 June 177.
The stars on a captain's patch symbolize rank, authority, and leadership within a team or organization.
US Military newspaper: Stars & Stripes
There are 50 stars to symbolize 50 states.
General of the Army (five stars). However, this is a special rank used only in wartime. Currently, General (four stars) is the highest achievable rank.
Lieutenant General
each state
The large stars on US houses are often decorative symbols used to represent patriotism and pride in the country. They can also be used to symbolize military service or as a nod to the American flag.
On 18 June 1780.
The 13 stripes (7 red and 6 white) symbolize the original 13 colonies. The white stars on a field of blue represent the 50 individual states within a common union.