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Fort Lee Renamed to Honor Black Army Hero Fitz Lee

12/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In the late 1800s, Private Fitz Lee, a Black U.S. Army veteran, rescued soldiers in Cuba.
He contracted malaria, earned Medal of Honor in a Texas hospital, and was discharged in 1899.
He died ten weeks after discharge, blind and homeless at age 33.
In 2021, Fort Gregg-Adams was renamed to honor Black Army officers.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration restored the name Fort Lee, attributing it to Fitz Lee.

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Story summary

In the late 1800s, Private Fitz Lee, a Black U.S. Army veteran, rescued soldiers in Cuba.
He contracted malaria, earned Medal of Honor in a Texas hospital, and was discharged in 1899.
He died ten weeks after discharge, blind and homeless at age 33.
In 2021, Fort Gregg-Adams was renamed to honor Black Army officers.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration restored the name Fort Lee, attributing it to Fitz Lee.