I find it lamentable when the US Government found it necessary to rename multiple Military bases because the original name was not politically correct. But of those this is the list I could find
Former Name New Name Date of Renaming Honoree(s)
- Fort Benning to Fort Moore May 11, 2023 Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife Julia Compton Moore, recognizing both military leadership and support for military families.
- Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty June 2, 2023 The value of liberty, reflecting the nation’s foundational principle. CBSNEWS.COM
- Fort Gordon to Fort Eisenhower October 27, 2023 President Dwight D. Eisenhower, honoring his leadership during World War II and as the 34th President of the United States.
- Fort A.P. Hill to Fort Walker August 25, 2023 Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the first female Army surgeon and Medal of Honor recipient.
- Fort Hood to Fort Cavazos May 9, 2023 Gen. Richard E. Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general in the U.S. Army.
Fort Lee to Fort Gregg-Adams April 27, 2023 Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, honoring their pioneering roles in the Army.
Fort Pickett to Fort Barfoot March 24, 2023 Col. Van T. Barfoot, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient.
Fort Polk to Fort Johnson June 13, 2023 Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero known for his valor.
Fort Rucker Fort Novosel April 10, 2023 CW4 Michael J. Novosel, a Medal of Honor recipient and distinguished Army aviator.
I believe for all but one these were good renames with especially good rename of Fort Moore. But the Fort Bragg/Liberty rename was simple virtue signaling
I also propose it should be renamed for Matthew B. Ridgeway, here is why.
General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (March 3, 1895 – July 26, 1993) was a highly respected U.S. Army officer known for his leadership during World War II and the Korean War. He played a crucial role in revitalizing the morale and effectiveness of American and United Nations forces in Korea.
Key Highlights of His Career:
World War II
- Led the 82nd Airborne Division during the Sicily and Normandy (D-Day) campaigns.
- Commanded the XVIII Airborne Corps, leading airborne troops in the Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine into Germany.
- Known for his aggressive leadership and ability to inspire troops under difficult conditions.
Korean War
- Took over as 8th Army commander in December 1950, replacing Lt. Gen. Walton Walker, who was killed in a jeep accident.
- Turned the tide of the war by implementing aggressive tactics, stopping the Chinese advance, and launching counteroffensives in early 1951.
- Became Supreme Commander of U.N. Forces in Korea in April 1951, replacing Gen. Douglas MacArthur after President Truman relieved MacArthur.
- Successfully stabilized the frontlines, leading to the eventual armistice negotiations.
Post-Korean War and Later Life
- Served as the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) in NATO from 1952-1953.
- Became the Army Chief of Staff from 1953-1955, where he opposed the reliance on nuclear weapons and pushed for a strong, conventional military.
- Retired in 1955 but remained an influential military thinker and strategist.
Legacy:
- Credited with saving the U.S. Army from defeat in Korea.
- Widely respected for his leadership, adaptability, and emphasis on the well-being of his soldiers.
- Awarded the residential Medal of Freedom in 1986.
- Many military historians regard him as one of the greatest American generals of the 20th century.
I’ll let this go here, for now, but it is an idea we should think about Fort Ridgeway, it would properly honor the man and really say everything about that installation everyone, friend and foe alike would need to know, its named for a real patriotic guy , a really exceptional soldier and a guy who put boot to butt on people who would if given the opportunity would do heinous ill to us.
Will repost to X please comment and share there.