Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

douglas9

(4,490 posts)
Thu Jun 11, 2020, 12:04 PM Jun 2020

Who was Roy Benavidez, the man whose name some say should replace Confederate general's at Fort Hood

The League of United Latin American Citizens has been pushing to have Fort Hood renamed in his honor.

Texas native Roy Benavidez, a member of the elite Green Berets who earned the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War, had a storied military career that included five Purple Hearts and an astonishing rescue of eight soldiers that reads like a Hollywood movie script, a U.S. president would later say.

That's why for years members of the League of United Latin American Citizens have been pushing to have Fort Hood renamed in his honor.

The people of Texas and the nation should know the story of Benavidez, Domingo Garcia, national president of the civil rights group, said Tuesday.

“He is largely unknown beyond the Spanish community,’’ he said.

U.S. Army and Pentagon officials indicated Monday they were open to the idea of removing the names of Confederate military commanders at Army posts, including Fort Hood -- an idea long supported by LULAC and other civil rights advocates.


https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2020/06/09/who-was-roy-benavidez-the-man-whose-name-some-say-should-replace-confederate-generals-at-fort-hood/

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Who was Roy Benavidez, the man whose name some say should replace Confederate general's at Fort Hood (Original Post) douglas9 Jun 2020 OP
Master Sergeant Raul Perez "Roy" Benavidez (August 5, 1935 - November 29, 1998) atreides1 Jun 2020 #1
This guy was a genuine bad ass. The Polack MSgt Jun 2020 #2
I Would Never Have Wanted To Cross Him COL Mustard Jun 2020 #3
In the entire DoD there is only one base named after an enlisted soldier The Polack MSgt Jun 2020 #5
I Did Not Know That COL Mustard Jun 2020 #6
IMO Ft. Bragg would be better DashOneBravo Jun 2020 #4
Agreed TEB Jun 2020 #7
I heard of him before I signed up in 77. denbot Jun 2020 #8

COL Mustard

(6,984 posts)
3. I Would Never Have Wanted To Cross Him
Fri Jun 12, 2020, 08:36 PM
Jun 2020

Rename either Ft Hood (near where he was from) or Ft. Bragg (where he trained) for him. Stop naming forts for generals, especially ones who fought AGAINST the US Army.

The Polack MSgt

(13,455 posts)
5. In the entire DoD there is only one base named after an enlisted soldier
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 10:31 AM
Jun 2020

CPL Frank Scott died in a traing flight - Wilbur Wright was training him and other balloon/dirigible observers on piloting the Wright Flyer.

Scott AFB is named after him

DashOneBravo

(2,679 posts)
4. IMO Ft. Bragg would be better
Mon Jun 15, 2020, 12:20 PM
Jun 2020

I know he’s from Texas. Wouldn’t there be a better candidate for someone who has ties to the units stationed there?

He’s well know in the Airborne and Special Operations community. He was in the 82nd and 5th Group at Ft. Bragg.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»Who was Roy Benavidez, th...