Program for 11 May 2023 Ceremony
Why Fort Moore?
Fort Moore recognizes Hal Moore's life as a decorated and highly regarded commander of the Vietnam War and his wife, Julie Moore, who was equally distinguished as a leader of Army family programs who changed how the military cares for the widows of fallen Soldiers.
Fort Moore will uniquely honor Army families and highlight the military spouse’s invaluable contribution to combat readiness. There can be no better way to inspire the men and women who will train to defend our nation, and particularly to provide recognition to the widows of our Nation’s fallen, than to name the installation for the couple who exemplifies America’s highest standards of command, character, and compassion — Hal and Julie Moore.
Hal Moore
Harold "Hal" Moore graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1945 and retired as a lieutenant general after 32 years of active service.
His notable assignments included occupation duty in Japan, serving with the 82nd Airborne, testing experimental parachutes, NATO, and multiple Army staff assignments.
During the bloody outpost battles of the Korean War, Hal commanded rifle and heavy mortar companies, served as a regimental S3 and division assistant G3, earning two Bronze Star Medals for valor. In Vietnam, Hal commanded at the battalion and brigade levels with the 1st Cavalry.
Hal is best known for his leadership during the first major battle of the Vietnam War in the Ia Drang Valley. After a three-day bloodbath, the enemy quit the field, leaving over six hundred of their dead. Hal was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the fight. Hal assumed command of the 3rd Brigade and led it through several campaigns in 1966. Often on the ground sharing the risks with his troopers, he earned another Bronze Star Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
In 1969, Hal assumed command in Korea of the 7th Infantry Division, followed by command of the Training Center at Fort Ord, Calif., in 1971. During both assignments, he solved deeply rooted racial unrest and redeveloped unit level combat effectiveness. In 1974, Hal served as the
Deputy Chief of Staff G-1 Personnel of the U.S. Army, where he rebuilt an NCO Corps almost destroyed by the Vietnam War.
Julie Moore
The daughter of an Army Colonel, Julia Compton Moore lived every aspect of military family life, starting with her birth in an Army hospital at Fort Sill, Okla., in 1929.
Julie is most noted for her leadership supporting Army wives and families responding to the flood of casualty notifications after the Vietnam battle of Ia Drang.
The Army was unprepared and empowered taxi drivers to deliver telegrams to the Families of the fallen. Julia, horrified with the practice, followed taxis to offer comfort to widows and attended many local funerals of Soldiers lost in combat under her husband’s command.
Through her efforts, the Army changed its policy and had uniformed personnel deliver the notices – a practice that continues to this day. The Army established the Julia Compton Moore Award in 2005 to recognize civilian spouses of soldiers for outstanding contributions.
Finally, Julie experienced a mother’s anxiety with sons on active duty during the Invasion of Panama, the Gulf War, and Iraq/Afghanistan. Julie was always an active supporter of Army Wives Clubs, daycare centers, and other military community support organizations, eventually leading many groups. A life-long Red Cross volunteer, Julie began helping Soldiers in this capacity as a teenager.
Her work and contributions led to her recognition as one of the most influential military wives in our nation's history.
Julie Moore assists at blood drive in Korea. The patient is Hal Moore.