Suggested titles include African American, Native American, and Hispanic military personnel, an homage to various U.S. ranks. military benefited from over of the year. Commission, however also it is recommended to rename several of bases after white men.
Renaming of bases with Confederate nicknames have become a hot political button issue in in final months of the Trump administration when then-President Donald Trump criticized the idea, accusing others of to want “throw those names away.”
Trump vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021, which included the Names Commission, but in last days of his administration, Congress issued first and only overrides the veto during his tenure by approving the law with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The naming board asked for proposals for possible new names to US Army bases through public website. They received more over 34,000 applications for possible names for renaming bases, brig. Gen. Tai Seidule, US Army, Ret. Vice Chairman of This was announced by the Commission on Names during the round table. on Tuesday.
Out of 34,000 proposals, the commission narrowed the circle list up to 3670 names as possible rivals, then down to 87 and finally to list of the recommendations they published today.
“Each name is either derived from or resonated with local communities. The feedback we received helped us in constriction options and turned out to be vital in help us get to our final recommendations,” said Seidule.
Secretary of Lloyd Austin’s defense welcomed the proposals.
“Today’s announcement highlights the commission’s efforts to propose nine new installation names reflecting courage, values, sacrifice and diversity of our military men and womenAustin said. in statement.
Austin will have final to tell on renaming of bases and commissions final recommendations to Congress should on October 1st.
Here are nine bases that can have their own names changed.
Fort AP Hill at Fort Walker
Commission proposed to change the name of Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, named for Lieutenant General Ambrose Powell (AP) Hill, Confederate commander, at Fort Walker. Dr. Mary Walker was in the Army first female surgeon and was eventually awarded a medal of Honour for Her service during the Civil War.
“Dr. Mary Walker’s service to the people, perseverance over significant barriers based on her gender and for life fight for equality exemplifies and inspires for all Americans,” the commission said. in release.
Fort Polk to Fort Johnson
Fort Polk in Louisiana, named after Confederate commander Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk, could become Fort Johnson. in honour of Sergeant William Henry Johnson. African American soldier considered one of in first heroes of World War I after he fought off about two dozen Germans alone, killing at least four. He was later posthumously awarded the medal of Honour.
“His story embodies the indomitable will to win against no matter what, the sacrifices our soldiers and many legacies bear of our military Heroes, ”the message says.
Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty
Fort Bragg in North Carolina one of the largest military installations in in the world, Fort Liberty could be named, according to the recommendations of the commission, the only one of objects named after American significance instead of an individual or group of people.
General Braxton Bragg was an unpopular Confederate. general who scored a lot of criticism for its often not up to the mark performance on field, accompanied by irascibility and warlike character.
Fort Benning to Fort Moore
Fort Benning in Georgia may be renamed Fort Moore in honor of Lieutenant General Hal and Julia Moore. Hal Moore served in Army from 1945 to 1977, with tasks in Japan, Korea, Norway and Vietnam.
His wife Julia “worked with American Red Cross and advocated for continuation support for military families, including childcare and quality-of-life opportunities and initiatives relied on and is being improved by families to this day, ”the release says.
Fort Gordon to Fort Eisenhower
Fort Gordon in Georgia could become Fort Eisenhower after Gen. of army Dwight Eisenhower, who went on Acting as the 34th President of the country.
Commission said in its release that the late president’s “extensive, innovative and effective military experience and leadership have shaped our modern world. His career has demonstrated superior devotion to duty in the performance of these duties. with eye on history and personal experience adapted to new circumstances.”
Fort Hood to Fort Kawasos
Fort Hood in Texas may be renamed Fort Kavazos in honor of General Richard Kavazos. who served in and the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
“In 1982 he became first Hispanic to pin up on four stars,” the release says. “His final appointment as head of The command of the US armed forces adequately summed up his career. of service by placing it in head of maintenance, training and deployment of all deployable forces of the army”.
Fort Lee to Fort Gregg Adams
Commission also proposed that Fort Lee in Virginia be renamed Fort Gregg-Adams in honor of Lieutenant General Arthur Gregg and Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams. Gregg helped desegregate the army, including at Fort Lee, while Adams, in 1944, “was elected commander first Unit ism of African American women serve overseas.” Her mission involved leading 6888th Central Postal Directory in England.
“Although Arthur Gregg and Charity Adams served on another missions and in different conflicts, same topics of leadership, dedication and problem the decision united their service,” the commission said in a statement. “Moreover, in overcoming barriers to livelihood caused by war they also helped overcome social obstacles caused by segregation. Their service simultaneously supported mission success and public progress.”
Fort Pickett to Fort Barfoot
Meanwhile Fort Pickett in Virginia may be renamed Fort Barfoot after Tech. Sergeant Van T. Barfoot, who served for 34 years old, including in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.
The Commission noted that Barfoot, who died in 2012 made headlines in 2009 “when he insisted on Waving American flag on his home, against wishes of his local homeowners association.”
Fort Rucker to Fort Novosel
Commission also suggested Fort Rucker in Alabama should rename Fort Novosel in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Novosel Sr., who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, where he made 2,543 evacuations. missionsaccording to the release.
This story was updated with additional details.
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