Renaming Fort Liberty to Honor a WWII Hero
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Army to reinstate the name “Bragg” to one of its largest military bases in North Carolina, previously renamed Fort Liberty in 2023. However, instead of honoring Confederate General Braxton Bragg, the base will now commemorate Pfc. Roland L. Bragg was a World War II veteran recognized for his valor during the Battle of the Bulge. According to Pentagon press secretary John Ullyot, this change reflects the Army’s commitment to honoring individuals who have displayed exceptional service and sacrifice.
The renaming effort comes after the base was originally redesignated as Fort Liberty following recommendations from a congressional naming commission. The commission had determined that Braxton Bragg was widely regarded as one of the least effective generals of the Civil War and was unpopular among both Union and Confederate ranks. The renaming was part of a broader initiative to remove Confederate-associated names from U.S. military installations.
Political Context and Previous Controversy
The decision to rename Fort Liberty was part of a larger effort under President Joe Biden’s administration to address Confederate symbolism in the military. In total, nine bases were identified for renaming. The initiative became a politically charged issue in the final months of the previous presidency, leading to legislative battles. Despite a veto attempt on the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress overrode it with bipartisan support, allowing the Department of Defense to proceed with implementing the commission’s recommendations.
Reversing these renaming efforts, including restoring Confederate names, would require further congressional action. However, the latest directive from Hegseth does not seek to reinstate the Confederate association but instead assigns the name Bragg to honor a decorated World War II veteran, aligning with the Department of Defense’s intent to recognize distinguished military service.
Hegseth’s Stance and Implementation of the Change
Hegseth, a National Guard veteran and former media personality, has been vocal in his opposition to renaming military bases that previously honored Confederate generals. He has criticized the changes as unnecessary and politically motivated, labeling them as “a sham” in public statements. During a podcast appearance, he strongly advocated for reversing the renaming of Fort Bragg, citing its significance to generations of service members, including his own family.
Despite his previous stance, the new directive focuses on renaming the base after a World War II hero rather than reinstating the Confederate namesake. The memorandum issued by Hegseth instructs the Army to proceed with the name change “following applicable laws and regulations” and to develop a timeline and resource plan for its execution. The decision marks a shift in the ongoing debate over military base names, as the administration seeks to balance historical legacy with contemporary recognition of service and sacrifice.
