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FORT BENNING, Ga. — U.S. Army Soldiers, veterans, military and civic leaders, community members, and the whole Benning family gathered for the ceremonial redesignation of Fort Moore to Fort Benning, April 16, 2025, at McGinnis-Wickam Hall.
The change honors the legacy of Sgt. Fred G. Benning, a Distinguished Service Cross recipient who heroically served with the Machine-Gun Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, American Expeditionary Forces, during World War I.
“Sgt. Benning’s legacy extends far beyond his own actions on that battlefield. He embodies the very spirit we strive to cultivate here at Fort Benning,” said Maj. Gen. Colin P. Tuley, commanding general of the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, speaking during the ceremony. “That spirit — one of dedication, courage, leadership — is reflected here at Fort Benning in our three tenets: people, leaders, and transformation. Sergeant Benning’s life exemplifies the very essence of these principles.”
Born Jan. 12, 1900, in Norfolk, Nebraska, Benning enlisted in the Army at age 17 at Fort Logan, Colorado. He deployed to France with the American Expeditionary Forces, known today as the 1st Infantry Division, where he served as a machine gunner in nine battles, most notably during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
During the offensive, after his platoon commander was killed and two senior noncommissioned officers were disabled, then-18-year-old Cpl. Benning took command of his platoon. Through his leadership and courage, he guided his unit through heavy fire to its assigned position on Hill 240. For this act of extraordinary heroism, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
The Army promoted Benning to sergeant in 1918, and he remained in Germany as part of U.S. forces until his honorable discharge from Camp Dodge, Iowa, in 1919. Following his military service, Benning returned to his home state where he became a successful businessman and remained active in public service through the American Legion and local government.
Reflecting on her grandfather's legacy, Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Benning’s granddaughter, shared, “My grandpa’s impact extended beyond our family; he was deeply involved in serving the community. I see similarities between Fred Benning the soldier and Fred Benning my grandpa — that is: integrity, hard work and a commitment to service.”
She added, “Fred G. Benning was truly a special man. He was a man of integrity who knew the value of hard work. He lived a life of service, dedicating himself to his family, his country, and his community. He loved helping people and that’s how I will always remember him. He is my hero.”
On Mar. 3, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth published a memo directing the redesignation of Fort Benning in honor of Sgt. Fred. G. Benning.
This redesignation underscores Fort Benning’s storied history of service to the United States, honors the Warrior Ethos, and recognizes the heroes who have trained at the installation for decades and will continue to do so on its ranges and fields.
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