‘Bragg Is Back’ (but Not in the Way You Think) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Renames Fort Liberty – Guy D. McCardle
Let’s face it: none of us Army guys liked the name change forced on Fort Bragg by the Biden administration. It was unnecessary, capricious, and wasteful of taxpayer dollars (about $8 million of them at last count).
Well, happy days are here again, and I hope they kept the old signs.
In a move that has stirred both applause and debate, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memorandum to rename North Carolina’s Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. However, this time, the designation honors a different Bragg—Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero—rather than its original Confederate namesake, General Braxton Bragg.
The memo from SECDEF Hegseth to the Secretary of the Army regarding the name change of Fort Liberty. Image Credit: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
SOFREP Suggested This Back in 2023 (Kind Of)
In June of 2023, I wrote an article entitled “US Government Wastes $8 Million to Rename Fort Bragg.” That piece floated the idea of changing the name of the base to reflect that of another man named “Bragg” who was also a North Carolinian. George Freeman Bragg was a contemporary of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, even born in the same town of Warrenton, NC.
George Freeman Bragg
This particular Bragg was a preacher, and in 1909, the Baltimore Church Advocate Press called him the first Black priest on Southern soil. During his life, he fought hard for equal rights and founded a number of churches and schools. He helped Booker T. Washington found the Committee of Twelve, a group that fought for the civil rights of Black citizens in Maryland.
Alas, he was never a soldier. The post was not renamed after him.
A Return to Tradition with a New Honoree
Established in 1918, the military installation was initially named Camp Bragg after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. In 2023, as part of a broader initiative to remove Confederate names from military bases, it was renamed Fort Liberty. The recent decision by Secretary Hegseth reinstates the Bragg name but with a significant shift in its dedication.
Roland Leon Bragg (June 11, 1923 – January 12, 1999) was a World War II hero and U.S. Army paratrooper known for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. Born in Sabattus, Maine, he grew up during the Great Depression, helping his family make ends meet by selling vegetables from their farm. After graduating from Waldoboro High School in 1943, Bragg enlisted in the Army, serving as a mechanic and paratrooper with the 17th Airborne Division, specifically the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR).
Let’s face it: none of us Army guys liked the name change forced on Fort Bragg by the Biden administration. It was unnecessary, capricious, and wasteful of taxpayer dollars (about $8 million of them at last count).
Well, happy days are here again, and I hope they kept the old signs.
In a move that has stirred both applause and debate, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memorandum to rename North Carolina’s Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. However, this time, the designation honors a different Bragg—Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero—rather than its original Confederate namesake, General Braxton Bragg.
The memo from SECDEF Hegseth to the Secretary of the Army regarding the name change of Fort Liberty. Image Credit: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
SOFREP Suggested This Back in 2023 (Kind Of)
In June of 2023, I wrote an article entitled “US Government Wastes $8 Million to Rename Fort Bragg.” That piece floated the idea of changing the name of the base to reflect that of another man named “Bragg” who was also a North Carolinian. George Freeman Bragg was a contemporary of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, even born in the same town of Warrenton, NC.
George Freeman Bragg
This particular Bragg was a preacher, and in 1909, the Baltimore Church Advocate Press called him the first Black priest on Southern soil. During his life, he fought hard for equal rights and founded a number of churches and schools. He helped Booker T. Washington found the Committee of Twelve, a group that fought for the civil rights of Black citizens in Maryland.
Alas, he was never a soldier. The post was not renamed after him.
A Return to Tradition with a New Honoree
Established in 1918, the military installation was initially named Camp Bragg after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. In 2023, as part of a broader initiative to remove Confederate names from military bases, it was renamed Fort Liberty. The recent decision by Secretary Hegseth reinstates the Bragg name but with a significant shift in its dedication.
Roland Leon Bragg (June 11, 1923 – January 12, 1999) was a World War II hero and U.S. Army paratrooper known for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. Born in Sabattus, Maine, he grew up during the Great Depression, helping his family make ends meet by selling vegetables from their farm. After graduating from Waldoboro High School in 1943, Bragg enlisted in the Army, serving as a mechanic and paratrooper with the 17th Airborne Division, specifically the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR).
Some members of the 513th PIR during World War II. I do not know if Bragg is in this shot or not.
During the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most intense battles of the war, Bragg showed extraordinary courage by commandeering a German ambulance to rescue a wounded Allied soldier. His heroic actions earned him the Silver Star for gallantry, and he was also awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. His selflessness and bravery under fire exemplified the best qualities of an American soldier.
After the war, Bragg returned to Maine, where he built a successful civilian life. He operated a body shop before taking over Nobleboro Building Movers, a business he ran for 25 years. Even in retirement, he remained active, managing a portable sawmill business. Bragg passed away in 1999 at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer and was laid to rest in Nobleboro, Maine.
In February 2025, Fort Liberty in North Carolina was renamed Fort Roland L. Bragg in his honor. This change replaced the fort’s original Confederate namesake, Braxton Bragg, with a tribute to a soldier who embodied heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to his country. The renaming represents a shift toward recognizing American military figures whose legacies reflect the values of service and courage.
Navigating Legal and Historical Complexities
The renaming of Fort Liberty to Fort Roland L. Bragg carefully balances legal, historical, and cultural considerations. One of the key factors in this decision is compliance with a 2021 congressional mandate that prohibits military bases from being named after Confederate figures. By choosing Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero, as the new namesake, the Defense Department ensures that the name change aligns with federal law while still maintaining the long-standing “Bragg” identity.
This decision also shifts the focus from Confederate history to honoring exceptional military service. Unlike Braxton Bragg, the original namesake, Roland L. Bragg was a decorated paratrooper who demonstrated extraordinary bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. Naming the base after him aligns with the military’s goal of recognizing individuals who have made significant sacrifices for the nation.
At the same time, the change helps address the historical controversy surrounding Confederate names on military installations. By moving away from Braxton Bragg, the decision acknowledges concerns about honoring Confederate figures while preserving a connection to the base’s rich history. This approach attempts to balance tradition with maintaining the letter of the law and the intent of the new Secretary of Defense.
Ultimately, the renaming of Fort Liberty to Fort Roland L. Bragg represents an effort to navigate the complex intersection of legal requirements, historical significance, and contemporary values. It honors a true American hero while preserving the base’s legacy, ensuring that its name reflects the ideals of service and sacrifice.
Looking Ahead
As the base transitions back to Fort Bragg, the Department of Defense has directed the Army to develop a timeline for implementing the name change and to identify any additional resources required for the process. This move reflects a broader endeavor to honor military heroes whose values and actions resonate with contemporary ideals, while also acknowledging and preserving the rich history of one of the nation’s most significant military installations.
In the words of Secretary Hegseth, “Bragg is back,” but with a renewed purpose and a namesake who exemplifies the courage and dedication of America’s service members.
