Additional Coverage:
- Pentagon to restore Fort Liberty’s name to Fort Bragg (cbsnews.com)
The Pentagon is reverting Fort Liberty’s name back to Fort Bragg. This reverses a prior decision by a congressional commission to rename bases honoring Confederate figures.
While the base will reclaim its original name, it will now honor a different Bragg. Instead of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, the base will honor Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, a World War II Silver Star recipient for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the memo authorizing the change. Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot stated the decision reflects the base’s history of service and sacrifice.
Roland L. Bragg’s name was among thousands submitted to the commission in 2023. However, officials initially chose Fort Liberty to avoid naming the base after an individual.
Former President Trump had publicly criticized the renaming, promising to restore the original name. Hegseth also opposed the change before becoming Defense Secretary, citing the importance of legacy.
Fort Bragg and Fort Benning were two of nine bases targeted for renaming by the congressionally mandated commission. The commission’s formation followed a defense bill banning Confederate names for military installations. Although former President Trump vetoed the bill, Congress overrode his veto.
Fort Bragg houses key Army units, including the 82nd Airborne Division. The base officially became Fort Liberty in June 2023.
The initial name change was estimated to cost over $6 million. The cost of reverting the name is currently unknown. Hegseth has directed the Army to assess the resources and timeline required for the name change.
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- Pentagon to restore Fort Liberty’s name to Fort Bragg (cbsnews.com)