Fort Liberty Renamed Back to Fort Bragg, Honoring WWII Hero Roland Bragg

The controversial decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revives the historic name but shifts its dedication from a Confederate general to a decorated paratrooper.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the renaming of Fort Liberty in North Carolina back to Fort Bragg, now in honor of WWII paratrooper Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, not Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg.
Roland Bragg, a Maine native, earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge, including a daring rescue of wounded soldiers under enemy fire.
The renaming decision has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters praising the shift to honor a true American hero and critics questioning the cost and political motivations behind the move.
The original name change to Fort Liberty in 2023 followed a Congressional mandate to remove Confederate names from military installations, costing an estimated $8 million.
Hegseth's decision aligns with broader efforts to reverse diversity-focused policies in the military, drawing criticism from some lawmakers and former officials who view it as undermining previous bipartisan reforms.