A Promise Delivered: Ten American Heroes and the Battle to Rename Our Nation's Military Bases

by Ty Seidule, Connor Williams

The inspiring story behind the ten Americans newly chosen to represent U.S. military bases previously named for Confederate soldiers, told by two members of the Naming Commission that selected them.

In 2020, the United States Congress, in an unprecedented and bipartisan piece of legislation, created the Naming Commission. It was tasked with a monumental mission: rename nine of the U.S. military’s most prominent army bases—all of which were named for Confederate leaders who waged war against America in the name of maintaining a slave republic.

Over the course of twenty months, that commission completed their mission, carefully combing through years of American history, and hearing from tens of thousands of Americans from all walks of life. It ultimately chose ten 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 Dr. 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 towards a better future.

A collection of stirring tales of heroism, A Promise Delivered is the powerful account of how ten worthy Americans and one bipartisan Commission joined the ongoing fight to reclaim our nation’s history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Civil War, Military History, Audiobook, American History

Audible Audio

First published November 11, 2025

About the author

Ty Seidule is Professor Emeritus of History at West Point where he taught for two decades. He served in the U.S. Army for thirty-six years, retiring as a brigadier general in 2020. He is the Chamberlain Fellow at Hamilton College as well as a New America Fellow. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin appointed Ty to the National Commission on Base Renaming. He serves as the Vice Chair
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He has published numerous books, articles, and videos on military history including the award-winning West Point History of the Civil War. Ty graduated from Washington and Lee University and holds a PhD from the Ohio State University.

Reviews

[Sheila]

I received a free copy of, A Promise Delivered, by Ty Seidule: Connor Williams, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Naming Commission was created to change the names of 9 army bases, which were originally named for Confederate leaders, who fought for slavery. In less than 2 years these army bases were renamed. I have never heard of the brave men and women mentioned in this book before, but Im glad I know them know. This was a really interesting read about or nations history.

[Reader]

Another southern hit piece by another cultural Marxist. The only thing this book is good for is toilet paper.

[Katie M]

5*s because everyone should know about these Great Americans, and the why behind it all.

[Dawn Michelle]

This was an absolutely fantastic book!!

This is the story about the battle to rename military bases from confederate soldiers/supporters to the true American heroes that have served this country with distinction and bravery; the book goes into detail of why each new name/person was choses [unanimously] and all they accomplished in their military careers as well as in life overall. I learned so much from this book and really want to find books about many of those chosen to be able to read more about them and their service.

Written by two of the men that sat on the name-change committee, this is a well-written, well-researched book and one that everyone should be reading. What an excellent book!

Dan Bittner is a new-to-me narrator and I certainly am looking forward to listening to him narrate a book again. He does an excellent job here and really made the stories come alive for the reader. I am so glad I was able to listen to this audiobook; very well done!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ty Seidule, Connor Williams, Dan Bittner - Narrator, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

[Mikala]

*A Promise Delivered* offers a thorough and illuminating account of the recent bipartisan military committee’s efforts to rename U.S. military bases: an endeavor made remarkable not just by the historical weight of its subject, but by the dedication of those involved.

The author shines a spotlight on the committee’s exemplary work ethic, documenting their ability to operate *on time and under budget*. Their determination and cooperation across political divides is commendable, reflecting a shared commitment to justice and progress within the ranks of the military and beyond.

Equally impressive is the level of community involvement described throughout the book. Instead of imposing new names from above, the committee welcomed input from local citizens, advocacy groups, historians and even descendants of those whose stories had long been overlooked. This grassroots process helped ensure that each base now bears the name of someone whose legacy reflects valor, sacrifice and values that transcend old divides.

For those concerned about “erasing the past,” this book is especially useful as the author highlights the weak character and cowardice many of the former namesakes displayed in battle and several had no military service whatsoever.

The contrast between the past and present approaches to naming is palpable. What was often done in haste for the sake of efficiency and “stencil-ability”, has now been done in a *deliberate, thoughtful process*. The new names are not just functional, but inspirational, chosen with a broad view and deeper understanding of their meaning and the honor they bestow.

Importantly, *A Promise Delivered* demonstrates a model for future naming projects, whether in the military, in government or in civic life. By combining bipartisan cooperation, historical research and community engagement, the committee set a standard that could guide similar efforts toward fairness, inclusivity and enduring meaning.

This book reads like a history textbook and because of each bio is separate, it can feel a bit repetitive to go through the same wars and battles from a different perspective. I look forward to the research and stories that are inspired from this. As the authors point out, it’s not that there’s a lack of heroes other than white men, it’s that their records and stories were often intentionally destroyed, erased or twisted into a negative bias. This work is the start to not only repair historic oversights but also points the way forward toward a richer, more inclusive American history. We, as readers and Americans, must continue the work of remembering and uplifting heroes whose deeds have gone unheralded.

*A Promise Delivered* is more than just a chronicle of renaming; it is a celebration of collaboration, community, and the power of remembrance.

[Lily]

In this fascinating exploration of the renaming (and re-renaming) of nine military bases in the United States, members of the Naming Commission explain why they chose these ten heroes and their incredible stories in the United States Armed Forces. From former presidents to a woman doctor from the Civil War and a Cold War general, Ty Seidule and Connor Williams explore the breadth of American military history and how these figures exemplify what the United States can (and has) stood for. With each chapter focusing on the different individuals and their lives and military careers, readers will learn a lot about American military history and the overlooked heroes of various conflicts. The historical research is fantastic and the information is presented in an approachable and readable manner; readers will enjoy the structure and pacing of this book. With so many details and different stories, this book is a great introduction to military history for unfamiliar readers and for those interested in the impact history continues to have on politics and current events. Packed with details, inspiring, and fascinating, this immersive new military history book about the renaming of military bases is a readable introduction to some of the forgotten figures from American history.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advance copy.

[Katarina Penfold]

I see that this book creates and talks about a very heated topic as per the reviews from the showcase below. War is not as simple are this side won this side lost, let alone the individual stories that are showcased through each chapter.

As an example, Van Barfoot would be even today a heated topic with the coverage of "voluntary relocation " which to me seems less likely it be anything but voluntary. In each chapter, you follow the start of the individual's journey leading them into war service. Sometimes a bit wordy and over-explained. Closing with later interviews and awards earned the what happened to them after they served to the war effort.

" The American Dream Roosevelt had said four freedoms freedom from fear freedom from want freedom of expression and freedom of religion "

Maybe overlooked or it was as the times were trying to change even one of the name changes couldn't let a woman's name stand on her own to feet but no had to be paired with a man's name.

An upsetting read in some points, but I think that is the point of this work. A little wordy. I wish there were references to other works to read simplified rather than hidden in the back.
All in all 3 out of 5

[Joymhb]

A Promise Delivered offers a thorough and illuminating account of the recent bipartisan military committee’s efforts to rename U.S. military bases: an endeavor made remarkable not just by the historical weight of its subject, but by the dedication of those involved.

Equally impressive is the level of community involvement described throughout the renaming process. Instead of imposing new names, the committee welcomed input from local citizens, advocacy groups, historians and even descendants of those whose stories had been lost. This grassroots process helped ensure that each base now bears the name of someone whose legacy reflects valor, sacrifice and values of service to a greater good.

This book recounts each person's personal, and military history: and because of each bio is separate, it can feel a bit repetitive to go through the same wars and battles from a different perspective. That being said, I look forward to the research and stories that will come from the renaming. Of the men, and women profiled I knew only four, so there is much to learn.
A Promise Delivered is more than just a chronicle of renaming; it is a celebration of collaboration, community, and the power of remembrance.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-arc.

[Todd]

I admire the authors commitment to discussing the unvarnished history of the people behind the names of bases that in their time celebrated the Lost Cause of the Confederacy. For the people who have been indoctrinated on the myths, it's either going to be a hard pill to swallow, enlightening, or maybe some of both.

This is a timely reminder given our current politics. After the Civil War, Andrew Johnson was President. He pardoned thousands of Confederates. He was impeached by the House but not convicted by the Senate. Reconstruction promised fuller rights of citizenship to black citizens, but that promise eroded with voter suppression and Klan violence. I have often wondered how history would have changed if holding traitors accountable and barring voter suppression laws passed by States had been stopped.

The inability to face these wrongs and many others still haunts us today.

This book helps to explain unapologetically why the work to rename these bases was done. I applaud the effort.

[Jan]

OK, so I don't believe in doing cover-ups on history regardless of politics and would march in favor of having Andrew Jackson's statues removed because of the inhumanity he represents. That being said, this book represents the involvement of both ordinary US citizens and military historians who sought to honor some of the heroes of the US military regardless of ethnicity or gender. It represents impeccable due diligence in researching the individuals presented and how the selection process was achieved. Besides, it is very readable to anyone who wishes to learn. Please note that the publisher is a public company not associated with any political or military agency.
I requested and received a temporary unedited electronic galley from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
#APromiseDelivered by Ty Seidule; Connor Williams Pub Date Nov 11, 2025 @stmartinspress
#10AmericanHeroes #RenamingUSMilitaryBases #militaryhistory #civilianinvolvement

[Rosemary]

While I am an enthusiastic lover of ancient history, my 20th century knowledge is paltry. Some of that is due to my childhood memories of adults who lived through “the War;l always a time drought with sadness and mostly, silences. Yes, I had read Seidule’s book, Robert E. Lee and Me and learned more than my 8th grade and Junior year history teachers had shown. I learned how Seidule unpacked the Virginia culture that honoured a failed confederate and traitor. Moreover, I lost the old trope of “states’ rights’ as the cause of the deadly Civil War. This latest book goes further as it chronicles this history of renaming Army bases named after Confederates. It reveals the systematic racism that flourished, and burned in hearts of descendants who had little compunction with respect to their slave owning and slavery dependant forbears.

The book is a compelling journey which lauds the true heroes of America’s past.

[Bethany Hanson]

This book is an excellent deep dive into those whose names are attached to our military bases. I particularly appreciated that the old name was mentioned with a little bit about that person and why the name is no longer a good choice. I learned a lot about military history through this book. Those chosen have exemplary military service. I also liked that the book explained how the names were chosen. I did not realize there was so much input from outside of the committee, so I'm glad to hear that. I know why the base we're living at is called what it is. This is great insight into the others.

I received an ALC in exchange for an honest review. I think the narrator was excellent. Informative without being monotone.

[Tracy Backer]

A must read for anyone interested in American military or social history. Meeting these American heroes, most for the very first time, was a privilege. Their stories are so well told by Ty Seidule and Connor Williams, enough to give the reader a flavor of the individual, but also leave them wanting to learn more.

If you have not read Ty Seidule's book "Robert E. Lee and Me", I cannot recommend that enough; it also helps explain the passion in some of the stories behind the previous names of the military bases. Seidule is not a cobwebbed old historian, he is a retired Army Brigadier General and Professor Emeritus of History at West Point.

[Erin Wyman]

I got a pre-release of this book ( pub date is Veterans Day -appropriate). This book is incredible. True American History. The research is in depth- but the coverage is full! I can not recommend this book enough. I learned so much but the most mind blowing was that women could be ARRESTED for wearing pants? I thought it was a social construct, not a criminal offense!

[Eila Mcmillin]

I really liked Robert E. Lee and Me, and this felt a bit like a let down. I don't think the organizational structure was very effective , but then I don't know if there would actually be a better way to do it.

[Florida BogJig]

After reading the title my eyes tested positive for HIV.

[Sheila Burgin]

I won this for my son who loves military stuff and he said what he's read so far is pretty accurate in the book.

[Dhriti Mehra]

Got this as a part of Goodreads giveaway. It was something interesting, not what I usually read, but nonetheless lots to learn and be inspired from.

[Philip]

An excellent, thoughtful, quick-moving work that shows what courage looks like across many decades, and not just the well-trodden and over-analyzed 1860s. Highly recommended.

[Ben M]

I appreciated how the ideas unfold gradually. Nothing felt dumped on the reader all at once.