Fort Benning in Georgia sheds its Confederate legacy, now renamed to honor World War I hero Cpl. Fred Benning under a sweeping Pentagon initiative.
At a Glance
- Fort Moore renamed Fort Benning for WWI hero Fred Benning
- Move led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as part of DoD renaming initiative
- Originally named after Confederate General Henry Benning
- Honors Fred Benning’s military valor and civilian leadership
- Mirrors broader changes at bases like Fort Liberty
Honoring Valor Over Division
In a sweeping rebranding effort across U.S. military installations, Fort Moore in Georgia has officially been renamed Fort Benning to honor World War I hero Cpl. Fred Benning. The change, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, replaces the base’s prior Confederate namesake, Gen. Henry Benning, with a figure whose bravery earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. As reported by the Association of the United States Army, this move reflects the Pentagon’s larger mission to align its values with figures who embody national unity and courage.
Fred Benning distinguished himself during one of WWI’s most perilous battles, and his recognition extends beyond the battlefield. Following his service, Benning became mayor of Neligh, Nebraska, demonstrating leadership in both military and civilian life.
Watch WDSU’s coverage of the renaming at Fort Benning name restored to World War I hero.
Reclaiming a Legacy
Fort Benning had carried the name of Confederate General Henry Benning since 1918. It now serves as the home of the U.S. Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence and the 75th Ranger Regiment. With this name change, the Army signals a pivot toward inclusivity and valor, redefining what it means to honor American military history. The renaming falls in line with other recent base transformations, such as Fort Bragg’s rebranding to Fort Liberty.
Hegseth emphasized that the move honors not just one man but also “the installation’s storied history of service to the United States of America,” according to the Washington Times.
Honoring the Moores and a Movement
While the new namesake stands out, the Moores—Lieutenant General Harold “Hal” Moore and his wife Julia—are also recognized. Hal Moore’s distinguished military record and Julia Moore’s advocacy for casualty notification reform played a vital role in shaping Army community relations. As Hegseth noted, the renaming “celebrates their significant contributions to the local community and the Army,” per AUSA.
This shift is part of the Department of Defense’s broader effort to move away from Confederate iconography and elevate figures whose legacies unite rather than divide. By spotlighting Cpl. Benning’s story, the Army affirms a new era of recognition that values courage, sacrifice, and civilian impact.
A Unified Symbol for the Future
Cpl. Fred Benning now stands as the embodiment of a redefined military legacy—one rooted in integrity, sacrifice, and national pride. “CPL Benning was the living embodiment of the Infantryman’s Creed,” Hegseth said, “as he never failed his country’s trust and fought to the objective to triumph for his unit and his country,” as noted by AUSA.
The Army’s decision to rename Fort Benning is not merely cosmetic—it’s a statement about the values it chooses to celebrate. In doing so, it paves a clearer path for how America honors its heroes, both past and present.
