Georgia’s Fort Benning will officially become Fort Moore during a ceremony at Doughboy Stadium on post on May 11. The military base in Columbus is being renamed in honor of the late retired Lt. Gen. Harold “Hal” and his wife, Julia Moore.
The name change was set in motion by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which established a commission to rename military bases and assets named for Confederate leaders. The Secretary of Defense approved the Naming Commission’s recommendation to rename Fort Benning to Fort Moore to highlight the critical role of the military family in supporting combat readiness.
A website about the renaming says that while this is a “wonderful personal honor” for the Moore family, they recognize the base is being renamed for the values Hal and Julia Moore represent.
“The Naming Commission selected names that represent and honor the heroism, sacrifices, and values of the Army’s men and women. This is the next chapter in the Army’s story,” a press release from Fort Benning’s Office of Public Affairs states.
Honoring soldiers and families
Fort Moore recognizes Hal Moore’s life as a decorated and highly regarded commander of the Vietnam War. The movie We Were Soldiers was based on his 1992 book recounting the Battle of la Drang.
Julia Moore was a distinguished leader of Army family programs who changed how the military notifies and cares for soldiers’ widows (and widowers).
“There can be no better way to inspire the men and women who will train to defend our nation, and particularly to provide recognition to the widows of our nation’s fallen, than to name our installation for a couple who exemplifies America’s highest standards of courage, character, and compassion — Hal and Julia Moore,” says Fort Benning’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard.
Founded in 1918 as the home of the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning was named after Henry L. Benning. He served as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.
Fort Benning is one of nine U.S. Army installations being renamed. The other Georgia base is Fort Gordon in Augusta which is being renamed Fort Eisenhower after the late General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Other name changes include:
- Fort Bragg, N.C. – renamed Fort Liberty after the value of liberty.
- Fort A.P. Hill, Va. – renamed Fort Walker after Dr. Mary Walker.
- Fort Hood, Texas – renamed Fort Cavazos after Gen. Richard Cavazos.
- Fort Lee, Va. – renamed Fort Gregg-Adams after Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams.
- Fort Pickett, Va. – renamed Fort Barfoot after Tech. Sgt. Van T. Barfoot.
- Fort Polk, La. – renamed Fort Johnson after Sgt. William Henry Johnson.
- Fort Rucker, Ala. – renamed Fort Novosel after Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Novosel, Sr.
