Louisiana: Army renames Fort Polk to Fort Johnson

The U.S. Army continues to rename its military bases with the goal of erasing any Confederate ties. The latest to change its name was Fort Polk in Louisiana, which has been renamed to Fort Johnson.

This change was made official on Tuesday. The new name honors William Henry Johnson, an African-American sergeant who fought in World War I and received the Medal of Honor. Formerly, Fort Polk commemorated Confederate Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk.

"Sgt. William Henry Johnson embodied the warrior spirit, and we are deeply honored to bear his name at the Home of Heroes," stated Brig. Gen. David W. Gardner.

With this new change, the Army continues to rename several of its military bases. Others to which the measure has already been applied to include Fort Bragg (North Carolina), renamed Fort Liberty; Fort Benning (Georgia), renamed Fort Moore; and Fort Hood (Texas), renamed Fort Cavazos.