Defense Secretary Hegseth Renames Fort Moore Back to Fort Benning, Sparking Family Outrage

in tribute to Army Cpl Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero who received the Distinguished Service Cross. The decision has ignited intense anger from the family of Lt. Gen. Harold “Hal” Moore and Julia Moore, for whom the base was renamed initially in 2023.

David Moore, a retired Army colonel and the son of Hal and Julia Moore, expressed that his family feels a profound sense of disappointment. “I’m upset that the secretary of defense dismissed the very qualities and characteristics my parents embodied,” he told Task & Purpose.

Hal Moore is renowned for his leadership in the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War, whereas Julia Moore significantly contributed to reforming the Army’s casualty notification process. Hegseth’s memo asserts that, despite their contributions, Cpl. Benning more accurately embodies the “warfighter ethos.”

This signifies the second reversal of Army post renamings during Hegseth’s leadership. In February, he restored the name of Fort Bragg, which had been changed to Fort Liberty, now paying tribute to WWII paratrooper Pfc. Roland L. Bragg.

The Pentagon chose not to provide further comments beyond Hegseth’s memo, while David Moore expressed disappointment that his parents’ legacy had been overlooked.

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