Commemorating Two American Heroes: Fort Benning Becomes Fort Moore

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Ft. Moore, GA – On May 11, 2023, a momentous redesignation ceremony took place at the historic Doughboy Memorial Stadium, where Fort Benning officially became Fort Moore. Maj. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard, commanding general of the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Moore, praised Lt. Gen. Harold Moore and his wife, Julia Moore, for their unwavering dedication to their country, fellow Soldiers, and military families.

Buzzard said, “We gather here today to honor two American heroes, Lt. Gen. Harold Moore and his wife, Julia Moore, who were committed to each other, their children, and above all, Soldiers and their Families.” He emphasized that Fort Moore represents strength, courage, and sacrifice, values that have been upheld by the Army post since its inception over a century ago.

Harold and Julia Moore’s connection with Fort Benning dates back to the mid-1960s when Harold led a battalion of 7th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers stationed at the fort. The film “We Were Soldiers” portrays the battle of Landing Zone X-Ray in Vietnam’s Ia Drang Valley, where Harold, then a lieutenant colonel, demonstrated exemplary leadership and resilience, guiding his troops to victory against overwhelming odds. Meanwhile, Julia worked tirelessly to support Army Families back home following the battle.

David Moore, a retired Army colonel and son of Harold and Julia, noted the unique significance of the redesignation, emphasizing the importance of Army Families in maintaining combat readiness and mission accomplishment. He stated, “Fort Moore stands alone, as this rededication is not solely about a name or one person’s achievements — but, instead, is about personal character, represented by Army values, reinforcing the fundamental truth that Soldiers fight as a team.”

Fort Moore honors Lt. Gen. Harold Moore’s distinguished military career and his wife, Julia Moore, who revolutionized the way military families, particularly widows of fallen Soldiers, are cared for through her leadership in Army Family programs.

Retired Army Col. Tony Nadal remarked during the ceremony, “The renaming of this post in Hal and Julie’s honor will serve as a beacon to inspire the many young men and women who follow them with honor, integrity, and allegiance in service to their country.”

The transition to the new post name was marked by the casing of the Fort Benning colors and the subsequent uncasing of the Fort Moore colors by Col. Colin Mahle, Fort Benning garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Sanchez, garrison command sergeant major.

Maj. Gen. Buzzard concluded, “Fort Moore is a name our Soldiers and our mission deserve because when recruits sign on to be all they can be in the Army, they come here to be more.”

Fort Moore is committed to producing well-trained, combat-ready Soldiers and leaders, developing the maneuver force, and providing an exceptional quality of life for Soldiers, civilians, and Army Families. The fort will continue to work closely with community leaders and implement approved recommendations of the Naming Commission, authorized by the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and directed by the Department of Defense.