The Pentagon recently acknowledged that some internet pages recognizing the contributions of a Black Medal of Honor winner and Japanese American soldiers were accidentally removed. However, the Defense Department stood firm on its broader initiative to reduce content that emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion—often referred to as DEI. This initiative has been a point of contention under the current administration.
One notable casualty of this purge was a webpage dedicated to Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, a Black recipient of the Medal of Honor. The page was taken down due to a mistake in the process of updating website links, which led users to a “404 – Page not found” error. Defense officials clarified that this was an unintentional error during an automated content clean-up.
Nevertheless, the website removal isn’t an isolated incident. Significant numbers of webpages celebrating the achievements of women and minority service members have also been removed as part of this effort to diminish DEI material. In a press briefing, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that the administration believes the focus should be on shared purpose rather than diversity.
Critics of the administration are voicing concerns. Many veterans and community members worry that this disregard for honoring diverse contributions may hinder recruitment efforts for the military. Notably, the removal of high-ranking individuals such as Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the only woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the first Black Chairman, have intensified these worries.
Richard Brookshire, co-CEO of the Black Veterans Project, criticized these actions as a modern-day form of discrimination, reflecting an attack on civil rights and Black leadership within the military. He likened current actions to a new version of Jim Crow laws.
Maj. Gen. Rogers, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970, made significant sacrifices during the Vietnam War and often spoke about the discrimination faced by Black service members. He believed that racial prejudice within the military remained an ongoing issue.
The Pentagon has also faced backlash for removing content honoring the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a group of Japanese American soldiers who served heroically during World War II. When the Army erased their page, it was done under instructions relating to the current administration’s guidance on content related to Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. Efforts are underway to restore accurate historical content, according to Army statements.
The story of the 442nd is particularly significant as these soldiers faced both prejudice at home and distinctions in combat valor, becoming one of the most decorated units in military history. Their bravery despite adversity highlights the complexities of American history.
Congressional representatives have expressed outrage over these removals, insisting they reflect a bias toward erasing significant historical contributions based on race. Organizations such as the Japanese American Citizens League have criticized the removals as attempts to erase the legacy of those who fought bravely for their country despite persecution.
As the debate continues, individuals are left wondering about the long-term implications of these actions and who ultimately holds the power to shape military history. Many believe that educating the public about diverse contributions remains crucial, emphasizing that political decisions shouldn’t dictate how history is presented.
