Pentagon Revives Select Servicemember Tribute Pages Amid Ongoing DEI Purge Debate

Last week, the Pentagon temporarily removed a webpage honoring Black Medal of Honor recipient Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers. This incident occurred amid a broader effort to eliminate content highlighting the contributions of diverse groups within the military.

On Monday, U.S. officials confirmed the removal was unintended and linked to an automated process. The webpage’s new address led users to a “404 – Page not found” message; this change occurred during a reorganization of digital content that included the term “deimedal-of-honor.”

Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell defended the ongoing removal of such pages, stating that the administration prioritizes unity over diversity slogans. He emphasized that “shared purpose and unity” serve as the military’s core strength, a statement reflective of the Trump administration’s rhetoric.

The removal isn’t isolated; thousands of pages related to the contributions of women and minority groups have also been taken down. This sweeping action raises concerns among veterans and advocates who fear it may adversely affect military recruitment efforts.

Richard Brookshire, co-CEO of the Black Veterans Project, critiqued the administration’s actions as a regression reminiscent of past racial inequalities. He highlighted these moves as indicative of a broader attempt to erase the contributions of marginalized groups within the military.

Charles Calvin Rogers, recognized for his bravery in Vietnam, was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Nixon in 1970. His leadership brought to light the challenges faced by Black service members, as he spoke candidly about enduring institutional racism in the military.

In addition to Rogers’ page, the Army also removed content honoring the World War II 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit comprised mostly of Japanese Americans. Despite facing discrimination, these soldiers achieved remarkable battlefield success, earning numerous honors.

Army spokesperson Christopher Surridge noted that this removal aligns with recent executive directives. He assured that the Army plans to restore content related to the 442nd to comply with current guidelines.

The push to remove this content has prompted criticism from multiple fronts. Rep. Ed Case voiced concerns regarding the intent of these removals, suggesting they unfairly target narratives based solely on race. The Japanese American Citizens League similarly condemned the decision, arguing it undermined the legacy of those who served.

Community members and advocates remain committed to preserving the history of units like the 442nd. Mark Matsunaga, a journalist with familial ties to the unit, stressed that the broader trend of erasing diverse histories continues, despite the restoration of specific webpages.

This wave of removals and the subsequent pushback highlights a contentious debate about how military history is recorded and represented, especially regarding diversity and inclusion.