WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 7, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, officially reclaimed its historic name as Fort Bragg in a ceremony honoring World War II veteran Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, whose acts of courage during the Battle of the Bulge left an indelible mark on military history. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth formalized the renaming with a directive issued last month, paying tribute to Bragg’s extraordinary bravery and the legacy of American soldiers who have trained and deployed from the site.
Pfc. Roland L. Bragg’s Heroism in Action
The decision to name the largest Army installation after Pfc. Bragg stems from his service as a paratrooper with the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps. Bragg completed his training at the installation later named in his honor before serving in the European theater of war.
Bragg’s extraordinary heroism unfolded during the bitter fighting in January 1945 near Bastogne, Belgium. Amid the harsh conditions of the Battle of the Bulge, Bragg was captured alongside four fellow paratroopers. Through a series of improbable events, including a daring escape enabled by his ingenuity and courage, Bragg commandeered a German ambulance while sustaining enemy fire and evacuated injured comrades to safety.
For this remarkable act of valor, Bragg was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military decoration for combat bravery, as well as a Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained. However, for nearly five decades, Bragg believed that the effort to save his comrades had been in vain—until a chance encounter in the early 1990s changed the course of his personal history.
John Martz, one of the paratroopers Bragg rescued, sought to reconnect with the soldier who had saved his life. That reunion gave both men clarity and closure, symbolizing the bond forged in one of history’s darkest hours.
Beyond the Battlefield
While Bragg’s heroics on the battlefield are now celebrated widely, his quiet contributions at home characterized much of his post-war life. After returning to Nobleboro, Maine, Bragg married his wife, Barbara, and raised three daughters. According to his granddaughter, Rebecca Amirpour, Bragg was a humble man who avoided the spotlight, rarely discussing his wartime experiences.
Amirpour also recounted a poignant story about the Parker pen and pencil set her grandmother gifted Bragg during the war. The set, worn over his heart, ultimately saved his life by shielding him from fatal shrapnel injuries.
Bragg remained a pillar of his community, continuing to lead a modest life even as his wartime legacy came into focus. His letter to his brother and sister-in-law, written from an Army hospital, encapsulates his reflective outlook on war, expressing grief for fallen comrades while acknowledging the resilience it demanded.
A Legacy of Transformation
Renaming Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg underscores the Army’s commitment to recognizing the values embodied by soldiers like Bragg—selflessness, resilience, and an unwavering sense of duty. Army Lt. Gen. Gregory K. Anderson, commander of XVIII Airborne Corps, highlighted the profound influence of Bragg’s story during the ceremony, stating, “Fort Bragg is where soldiers transform, where the ordinary find the extraordinary, and where the call finds its answer.”
The installation, a vital training ground for American forces, has long symbolized readiness and excellence. Its new namesake reflects the legacy of countless service members who have passed through its gates, prepared to answer the nation’s call to duty.
A Tribute to Sacrifice
Bragg’s family, including his daughter Diane, attended the ceremony, reflecting on the tremendous responsibility that comes with sharing his legacy with future generations. Amirpour spoke to the significance of the renaming, calling it a “true blessing” that her grandfather’s story can inspire others to give back to their communities and appreciate the values instilled through service.
Even as the Army community welcomes back the name Fort Bragg, the ceremony served as a reminder of the sacrifices of those who served, honoring an individual whose actions exemplified courage, resilience, and a commitment to preserving the freedoms for which so many have fought.
With its renaming, Fort Bragg takes on not just the name of a WWII hero but also carries forward the enduring spirit of heroism and service associated with the soldiers who have trained and served there.
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