Keeping to his word, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has initiated the re-renaming of military bases. Renaming, not to their original names, but their rightful Confederate names.
Will this restoration of Southern heritage return to the great state of Alabama? Very likely. Especially now that Alabama Secretary of State (and future Lt. Governor) Wes Allen is lobbying for a return to “old times not forgotten.” He wants to rename the Army post (near Enterprise, Alabama) now known as Fort Novosel, back to Fort Rucker.
Since Mr. Hegseth’s focus is on restoring meritocracy and a warrior mentality to our armed services, let’s do a side-by-side comparison of soldiers Edmund Rucker and Michael J. Novosel. You know, for merit’s sake.
Years of serving as a warfighter:
Edmund Rucker 4
Michael J. Novosel 42
Medals of Honor:
Edmund Rucker 0
Michael J. Novosel 1
Major conflicts fought:
Edmund Rucker 1
Michael J. Novosel 3
Years in the service of the United States of America:
Edmund Rucker 0
Michael J. Novosel 42
Wounded soldiers extracted:
Edmund Rucker ?
Michael J. Novosel 5,589
Let’s give namesake Colonel Edmund Rucker the benefit of the doubt. He did rise from the rank of a private all the way to an (unconfirmed) brigadier general, so it’s safe to say he was a warrior and had the respect of his men. And although his close friendship with one Nathan Bedford Forrest could be considered problematic, let’s just say he was a fine fellow; a gentleman and a scholar.
In the second world war, Michael Novosel captained B-29 Superfortress bombers. Then, after serving his country in Korea, he surrendered his Air Force rank (Lt. Col.) in order to join the Army and pilot helicopters in Vietnam. A real American hero.
But Edmund Rucker? During his service, for which he is honored, he was an enemy combatant of the United States of America.
Am I missing something, Mr. Allen?
“Anyone…? Anyone…? Bueller…?”
