U.S. Army Renames Fort Liberty to Fort Roland L. Bragg
The U.S. Army has renamed Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, now honoring World War II hero Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, moving away from its Confederate association.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Army to rename Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, now honoring Pfc. Roland L. Bragg instead of the Confederate general.
The memo was signed aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 before landing in Stuttgart, Germany. Hegseth stated, "That's right. Bragg is back," emphasizing the new name.
The military installation was renamed in 2023 as part of a Department of Defense initiative addressing the renaming of military installations associated with Confederate soldiers, motivated by the 2020 George Floyd protests.
Originally named in 1918 for Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, the base's new name pays tribute to World War II hero Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, who received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge.
The memo highlighted Pfc. Bragg's heroic actions, stating that he saved a soldier's life by driving 20 miles in an enemy ambulance to reach an allied hospital in Belgium.
Fort Bragg is one of the largest military installations globally and is home to the 82nd Airborne Division and USSOCOM.
The directive is intended to honor the courage and service of those who served and aligns with the installation's rich history.
Other Army posts are also undergoing name changes, including Fort Benning to Fort Moore and Fort Hood to Fort Cavazos, honoring notable military figures.
