With a firm stance and a decisive pen, Secretary Hegseth continues to reshape the military landscape, proving that history—and its names—are never set in stone. Image Credit: USA Today
In a move that has reignited debates over military base nomenclature, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the renaming of Fort Moore in Georgia back to Fort Benning. This decision marks a significant shift in the Pentagon’s approach to base names, reflecting ongoing discussions about history, honor, and the individuals we choose to commemorate.
A Return to Tradition
On March 3, 2025, Secretary Hegseth signed a memorandum directing the U.S. Army to restore the name Fort Benning to the installation formerly known as Fort Moore. However, unlike its original namesake—Confederate Brigadier General Henry L. Benning—the fort now honors Corporal Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero who received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary bravery during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918.
This renaming follows a recent trend under Secretary Hegseth’s leadership to revisit base names that had been changed in the past. Notably, Fort Liberty in North Carolina was reverted to Fort Bragg, now honoring Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero, instead of its former Confederate general namesake, Braxton Bragg.
The Legacy of Corporal Fred G. Benning
Fred G. Benning was a distinguished World War I veteran known for his exceptional bravery and leadership in combat. His courage and dedication to duty earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, one of the highest military honors. Benning served with the Machine-Gun Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division of the American Expeditionary Forces in France during 1918, where he played a crucial role in key battles.
One of his most remarkable moments came on October 9, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive near Exermont, France. When his platoon commander was killed and two senior noncommissioned officers were wounded, Corporal Benning stepped up to take command of the remaining 20 soldiers. Under his leadership, the platoon pushed through heavy enemy fire and successfully secured their assigned position on Hill 240, a critical objective in the battle.
Benning embodied the spirit of the Infantryman’s Creed—described as swift, determined, and courageous, with an unbreakable will to win. His actions on the battlefield showcased not only his personal bravery but also his ability to lead others through intense and dangerous conditions.
After the war, Benning continued his commitment to public service by becoming the mayor of Neligh, Nebraska. His leadership extended beyond the battlefield, as he worked to improve his community and serve his fellow citizens.
In a move that has reignited debates over military base nomenclature, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the renaming of Fort Moore in Georgia back to Fort Benning. This decision marks a significant shift in the Pentagon’s approach to base names, reflecting ongoing discussions about history, honor, and the individuals we choose to commemorate.
A Return to Tradition
On March 3, 2025, Secretary Hegseth signed a memorandum directing the U.S. Army to restore the name Fort Benning to the installation formerly known as Fort Moore. However, unlike its original namesake—Confederate Brigadier General Henry L. Benning—the fort now honors Corporal Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero who received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary bravery during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918.
This renaming follows a recent trend under Secretary Hegseth’s leadership to revisit base names that had been changed in the past. Notably, Fort Liberty in North Carolina was reverted to Fort Bragg, now honoring Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero, instead of its former Confederate general namesake, Braxton Bragg.
The Legacy of Corporal Fred G. Benning
Fred G. Benning was a distinguished World War I veteran known for his exceptional bravery and leadership in combat. His courage and dedication to duty earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, one of the highest military honors. Benning served with the Machine-Gun Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division of the American Expeditionary Forces in France during 1918, where he played a crucial role in key battles.
One of his most remarkable moments came on October 9, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive near Exermont, France. When his platoon commander was killed and two senior noncommissioned officers were wounded, Corporal Benning stepped up to take command of the remaining 20 soldiers. Under his leadership, the platoon pushed through heavy enemy fire and successfully secured their assigned position on Hill 240, a critical objective in the battle.
Benning embodied the spirit of the Infantryman’s Creed—described as swift, determined, and courageous, with an unbreakable will to win. His actions on the battlefield showcased not only his personal bravery but also his ability to lead others through intense and dangerous conditions.
After the war, Benning continued his commitment to public service by becoming the mayor of Neligh, Nebraska. His leadership extended beyond the battlefield, as he worked to improve his community and serve his fellow citizens.
His legacy of heroism and dedication has continued to inspire generations, culminating in the recent decision to rename Fort Benning in his honor. This recognition ensures that his bravery and leadership will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Historical Context of Fort Benning
Established in October 1918, Fort Benning has long been recognized as the “Home of the Infantry.” Originally named after Henry L. Benning, a Confederate general and Columbus, Georgia, native, the base has played a pivotal role in training U.S. Army infantry forces. Over the years, it has evolved into a premier military installation, housing the U.S. Army Infantry School, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and other essential units.
Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for getting so much done so quickly.
The 2023 Renaming to Fort Moore
In 2023, as part of a broader initiative to remove Confederate names from military installations, Fort Benning was renamed Fort Moore. This change honored Lieutenant General Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Compton Moore. Lieutenant General Moore was renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ia Drang in the Vietnam War, while Julia Moore was instrumental in reforming the Army’s casualty notification process, advocating for more compassionate communication with families of fallen soldiers.
Reactions to the Latest Renaming
The decision to revert to Fort Benning has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters argue that honoring Corporal Fred G. Benning aligns with a tradition of commemorating individual acts of valor, thereby preserving military heritage. They believe this change underscores the installation’s storied history of service to the United States and recognizes the heroes who have trained there for decades.
Conversely, critics contend that this move undermines the progress made in addressing historical injustices associated with Confederate symbolism. They argue that the previous renaming to Fort Moore represented a step toward inclusivity and acknowledgment of the complex history of military installations. Some also express concern about the potential costs and logistical challenges associated with repeated renaming efforts.
Broader Implications
Secretary Hegseth’s actions reflect a broader effort to reevaluate recent decisions concerning military base names. By restoring names like Fort Benning and Fort Bragg, the Department of Defense appears to be seeking a balance between honoring individual heroism and addressing contemporary perspectives on historical figures. This approach involves identifying service members with the same surnames as previous Confederate honorees but who have distinguished themselves through acts of valor in service to the United States.
Wrapping Up
The renaming of Fort Moore back to Fort Benning, now in honor of Corporal Fred G. Benning, highlights the evolving nature of how we commemorate military history. As societal values shift and new perspectives emerge, the names of our military installations continue to serve as reflections of the individuals and ideals we choose to honor.
This decision reflects the ongoing dialogue about heritage, memory, and the principles that define our nation.
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Guy D. McCardle is a sixteen-year veteran of the United States Army and most recently served as a Medical Operations Officer during OIF I and OIF II. He holds a degree in Biology from Washington & Jefferson College and is a graduate of the US Army Academy of Health Sciences. Guy has been a contributing writer to Apple News, Business Insider, International Business Times, and
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