# Confederate base names going away **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [December 11, 2020, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855 "2020-12-11T20:23:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/21 "2020-12-14T14:12:16Z")
Someone should tell him that if he doesn’t veto it, the electoral college will vote to re-elect him. He’ll buy fall for it. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/22 "2020-12-14T16:28:53Z")
> [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > We could keep Fort Bragg. Braxton Bragg did more for the Union cause in the Civil War than many Union generals. From his Wikipedia page (bolding mine): > > > Bragg is generally considered among the worst generals of the Civil War. **Most of the battles in which he engaged ended in defeat.** Bragg was extremely unpopular with both the men and the officers of his command, who criticized him for numerous perceived faults, including poor battlefield strategy, a quick temper, and overzealous discipline Bragg has a generally poor reputation with historians, though some point towards the failures of Bragg’s subordinates, especially [Leonidas Polk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonidas_Polk)—a close ally of [Jefferson Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Davis) and known enemy of Bragg—as more significant factors in the many Confederate defeats at Bragg’s command. **The losses which Bragg suffered are cited as principal factors in the ultimate defeat of the [Confederacy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America).** Fun, but completely irrelevant fact: my fifth cousin lives in his house in Warrenton, North Carolina. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/23 "2020-12-14T17:44:33Z")
It might be possible for Biden to change names with an executive order? I guess if depends on if the names were put there by congress which seems to be the case. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/24 "2020-12-14T18:14:49Z")
Just keep sticking that language in every possible defense bill that comes down the pike until you get to have it in the one that gets sent to Biden. Then hit me up for a contribution to the petition for renaming one of the posts Fort W. T. Sherman and putting up a sign in 100-foot-tall flaming letters visible for miles around. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2021, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/25 "2021-02-13T16:13:13Z")
> **[Retired Marine general, trailblazing Navy admiral among new picks who will...](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2021/02/12/retired-marine-general-trailblazing-navy-admiral-among-new-picks-who-will-scrutinize-bases-with-confederate-names/)** > > The Biden administration announced the selections after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin blocked selections that the Trump administration had made for the positions. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2021, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/26 "2021-02-15T02:39:41Z")
In this modern era, I suppose they will go with something colorless like _Joint Combined Regional Defense Installation Fayetteville._. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2021, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/27 "2021-02-15T14:41:28Z")
I think they will pick medal of honor winners or maybe astronauts like Glenn or Shepherd. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2021, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/28 "2021-02-15T15:08:49Z")
It’s just so weird that the forts were named after Confederates to begin with. The appeasing rationale is long gone, or I hope it is. Who besides Trump is opposed to renaming now, and do any of them have a cogent reason, except “our history”? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2021, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/29 "2021-02-15T15:16:51Z")
Anybody have a link that isn’t paywalled? ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2021, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/30 "2021-02-15T19:01:24Z")
Here you go, **silenus** : > **[Panelists selected, now work on renaming military sites honoring Confederate...](https://www.armytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/02/12/panelists-selected-now-work-on-renaming-military-sites-honoring-confederate-leaders-will-begin/)** > > Defense Department officials and congressional leaders on Friday named the eight-person panel charged with reviewing and replacing the names. > [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > I think they will pick [Medal of Honor] winners or maybe astronauts like Glenn or Shepherd. If they have some local connection, or were assigned to that base at some point in their careers, by all means. ---
**Author:** ![gdave](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gdave/32/3683_2.png) [@gdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gdave)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2021, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/31 "2021-02-15T19:55:54Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > I think they will pick medal of honor winners… I realize that this can seem like a meaningless nitpick to civilians, but they’re Medal of Honor _recipients_. No one _wins_ a Medal of Honor. It’s not a competition. If this is the course they follow, for Fort Bragg, I’d personally nominate the namesake of the post hospital, PFC Bryant Womack. His citation (which I first read on a plaque in a waiting room there): > Pfc. Womack distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Pfc. Womack was the only medical aid man attached to a night combat patrol when sudden contact with a numerically superior enemy produced numerous casualties. Pfc. Womack went immediately to their aid, although this necessitated exposing himself to a devastating hail of enemy fire, during which he was seriously wounded. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued moving among his comrades to administer aid. While he was aiding 1 man, he was again struck by enemy mortar fire, this time suffering the loss of his right arm. Although he knew the consequences should immediate aid not be administered, he still refused aid and insisted that all efforts be made for the benefit of others that were wounded. Although unable to perform the task himself, he remained on the scene and directed others in first aid techniques. The last man to withdraw, he walked until he collapsed from loss of blood, and died a few minutes later while being carried by his comrades. The extraordinary heroism, outstanding courage, and unswerving devotion to his duties displayed by Pfc. Womack reflect the utmost distinction upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2021, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/32 "2021-02-17T18:05:55Z")
It says something about the nature of modern warfare that I can’t tell from that what war he was fighting in. I now see it was the Korean War. A hero, indeed, _and_ a North Carolina boy, so I second your nomination, **gdave** : [Bryant H. Womack - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryant_H._Womack) ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2021, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/33 "2021-02-17T18:34:44Z")
looks like Biden can use an EO to change base/fort names . I expect he will wait until the people he appointed give him advice. I think it’s a lock at least one new name will be black or a woman or maybe both. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2022, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/34 "2022-10-10T06:30:20Z")
Resurrected for update. [Austin Orders Renaming of Bases that Honor Confederate Rebels](https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/10/06/austin-orders-renaming-of-bases-honor-confederate-rebels.html?ESRC=dod_221007.nl) > Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday signed off on an independent commission’s recommendations to rename military bases that honor Confederate officers and scrub a long list of references commemorating the southern rebellion. & > The order from Austin to follow the recommendations of the commission will be held up by a 90-day waiting period in most cases, per the congressional action that started the renaming process, but should be in place by 2024 at the latest. Here’s the list given as New name (old name) Fort Johnson (Polk) Fort Moore (Benning) Fort Walker (A. P. Hill) Fort Eisenhower (Gordon) Fort Cavazos (Hood) Fort Gregg-Adams (Lee) Fort Barfoot (Pickett) Fort Novosel (Rucker) Fort Johnson is named after a SGT William Johnson, a Black Medal of Honor recipient. Fort Walker is named after Dr. Mary Walker, the only female Medal of Honor recipient. I find all the new names to be great decisions. Kudos to President Biden and Secretary Austin! ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2022, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/35 "2022-10-11T02:56:22Z")
Agreed, although I would like to have seen a base named after Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, “the Rock of Chickamauga,” a Virginian who remained loyal to the U.S. during the Civil War and then never lost a battle. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2022, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/36 "2022-10-11T03:26:43Z")
Yeah, but maybe the Naming Commission figured there were too many bases named for Civil War generals and chose names from later wars. I checked several of the names and they were all from 20th century people. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2022, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/37 "2022-10-11T03:59:24Z")
I’ve driven past Fort Thomas in northern Kentucky on I-75 many times, but didn’t know until now that the city (previously a fort) was named after General George Thomas. Two counties in other states have also been named for him. My favorite story about “Old Slow Trot” involves [the aftermath of the successful Union assault on Missionary Ridge](http://smithsonianmag.com/history/catching-up-with-old-slow-trot-148045684/) in November 1863. “Thomas,…ordered that a cemetery be created for his soldiers on a beautiful slope of the battlefield. When a chaplain asked if the dead should be separated by state, Thomas did not hesitate. “No, no,” he said. “Mix them up. Mix them up. I’m tired of states’ rights.”” ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2022, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/38 "2022-10-11T12:50:12Z")
Now if there could only be a national awakening about all things Columbus. Talk about an undeserving prick. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2022, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/39 "2022-10-11T13:47:53Z")
You missed one: Fort Bragg becomes Fort Liberty, the only base on the list which is being not being renamed to a person but rather to an abstract idea. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2022, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855/40 "2022-10-11T13:56:32Z")
Which once again proves that the military should never be allowed to decide the name of **anything**. Ever. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-base-names-going-away/927855.md?page=3)