Co-authored by Ty Seidule, the David H. and Ann L. Hinchcliff Professor of History, the book comprises the stories behind the individuals newly chosen to represent military bases previously named for Confederate soldiers. The book was released on Tuesday, Nov. 11, by St. Martin’s Press.
Seidule, along with his co-author, Connor Williams, were members of the Naming Commission created by the U.S. Congress to, among other assignments, rename nine of the U.S. military’s most prominent army bases. All were named for Confederate leaders who waged war against America in the name of maintaining a slave republic.
According to the publisher, “Over the course of 20 months, the commission completed their mission, carefully combing through years of American history and hearing from tens of thousands of Americans from all walks of life. The commission ultimately chose 10 Americans whose individual heroics reflect the collective best of all that America is and could be.
“With their firsthand knowledge of the selection process, vice chair Ty Seidule and lead historian Connor Williams recount the lives of each of these American heroes, from former President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Civil War doctor Mary Walker to Cold War General Richard Cavazos. The individual histories nestled within each chapter prove why these men and women are true representatives of our country and how, by looking to them, America can aspire toward a better future.”
Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns described the book as “… a timely and inspiring history. The word 'hero' is bandied about so often that it begins to lack real meaning. How fortunate that Seidule and Williams have helped restore full value to the real actions that define heroism, sacrifice, virtue, and honor.” New York Times best-selling author and political pundit James Carville commented, “Brilliantly argued with conviction and passion... moving... a beacon of inspiration to a new generation of Americans.”
Of President Trump’s reversal of the renaming of the bases, Seidule said, “He chose surnames over service, stripping honors from 10 true American heroes in the process. Trump’s 2025 name switch does disservice to all those who serve.”
Posted November 11, 2025
