Linda Dunn
Two Presidential candidates (thus far) have pledged to restore Fort Liberty’s name back to Fort Bragg if they are elected President. Presumably, they will want to do the same for all nine forts designated for name changes to eliminate “military wokeness.”
Many of us born north of the Mason-Dixon line who know the history behind these original names think it was nuts to have ever assigned them these names in the first place and do not want an about-face to restoring names which honor military leaders who led troops against our U.S. military.
Unfortunately, a large number of us seem apathetic or determined to hold onto “traditional” names without being aware of the “traditions” those names uphold.
Fort Bragg was originally named after Braxton Bragg, who is often cited as the worst general of the Civil War. He was unpopular with officers and enlisted men and was noted for a poor battlefield strategy, a quick temper and overzealous discipline. The camp was built in 1918 near Fayetteville, where Revolutionists in 1775 wrote the “Liberty Point Resolves” in their rebellion against England. Thus, the new name, Fort Liberty, now honors local history rather than a controversial general who waged war against U.S. troops.
Fort Pickett in Virginia was named in honor of General George Edward Pickett who is best remembered for “Pickett’s Charge” against our U.S. troops in the Battle of Gettysburg. This base is now Fort Barfoot, honoring the legacy of Col. Van T. Barfoot, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient with extensive Virginia ties. Barfoot received the Medal of Honor for his actions during WWII.
Fort Rucker in Alabama was named for Edmund Rucker, another Confederate, who commanded “Rucker’s Legion.” On 10 Apr, 2023, it was renamed for local hero, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Novosel Sr., a veteran of three wars, a Medal of Honor recipient, and an Army Aviation legend.
Fort Benning was originally named for Confederate General Henry Lewis Benning, who commanded “Benning’s Brigade” during the Civil War. He also was a lawyer, legislator, and judge on the Georgia Supreme Court. Benning is noted for publicly stating why the Civil War was necessary: “…This reason may be summed up in one single proposition. It was a conviction, a deep conviction on the part of Georgia, that a separation from the North was the only thing that could prevent the abolition of slavery…”
The new name, Fort Moore, honors both Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore and his wife Julia. He commanded troops in the first major battle of the Vietnam War, a role depicted in a book and a movie “We were Soldiers” (2002). Julia was a champion for military spouses and changed the way next of kin are notified when a service member is killed.
Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia was originally named for Confederate General Ambrose Powell Hill Jr., who had a longstanding feud with Stonewall Jackson, possibly because Jackson frequently had Hill arrested for “dereliction of duty.” It became Fort Walker in honor of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a surgeon and spy during the Civil War. President Andrew Jackson awarded her a Medal of Honor.
Ford Hood in Texas was named for Confederate General John Bell Hood, who General Lee noted was “a bold fighter, very industrious on the battlefield, careless off.”
This is now named Fort Cavazos to honor General Richard E. Cavazos, a Korean and Vietnam War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross. He was the Army’s first four-star Hispanic General.
Fort Lee in Virginia was named for the famous General Robert E. Lee and is now renamed Gregg-Adams name to jointly honor Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Charity Adams Earley. Lt. Gen. Gregg joined during a time of segregation and rose to Lt. Gen. Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics. Earley was the first African-American woman to be an officer in the WACs (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps) and in December, 1944, she led the only company of black WACs ever to serve overseas.
Fork Polk in Louisiana was originally named for Confederate Major-General Leonidas Polk. He was one of the most notable and controversial southern generals and had bitter disagreements with his immediate superior, the likewise controversial General Bragg. The site is now Fort Johnson, honoring Sargent William Henry Johnson, whose actions on the front lines in France earned him the nickname “Black Death” and a Medal of Honor.
Fort Gordon in Georgia was originally named for John Brown Gordon, who was one of General Lee’s “most trusted Generals.” After the war, he endorsed measures to preserve white-dominated society, including the use of violence. Gordon was thought to be the titular head of the KKK in Georgia but this was never proven. The fort is scheduled to become Fort Eisenhower in October, 2023, honoring a General and President whose loyalty to America is beyond reproach.
Some might call all these name changes “political correctness” and “military wokeness” but many of us consider this a long-past-due act of common sense taken to correct the idiocy of naming U.S. military bases after those who literally fought against our U.S. military.
A lifelong resident of Hancock County, Linda Dunn is an author and retired Department of Defense employee.
