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To All Rangers and Friends of the Rangers:
Below is an update regarding the John S. Mosby court hearing we wanted to share with you:
Summary of Events:
- The National Ranger Memorial Foundation (NRMF) filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense to reinstate John S. Mosby's name on the National Ranger Memorial and in the Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Moore, Georgia.
- On December 12th, during a Federal Court hearing, Judge Clay Land listened to arguments from both parties. He concluded the session by stating he would issue a written ruling.
- On December 16th, Judge Land ruled in favor of the government, dismissing the lawsuit.·
Undisputed Facts of the Case:
- Mosby is unique as the only Confederate to be inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame, recognized for his significant post-war contributions to the government. His career spanned 48 years, during which he served as a consul, prosecutor, and ambassador to Hong Kong. He was also notably against segregation and slavery.
- He shares the honor of being displayed on the same wall as Abraham Lincoln, who is an honorary member of the Ranger Hall of Fame.
- Since 1950, fewer than 100,000 individuals have graduated from Ranger School, with over 50% of these graduates now deceased. The Department of Defense (DoD) did not adhere to the law which required considering both the pre-war and post-war service of individuals. Additionally, community sensitivities were overlooked, and neither the Ranger Community, nor the installation were surveyed regarding the decision to remove someone from the Ranger Hall of Fame.
- Initially, we made a polite attempt to address the issue by sending a letter up the chain of command. We received no response, and later discovered that the leadership at Fort Moore had forwarded our request to the Department of Defense (DoD), but they failed to provide any recommendation, either in support of or opposition, to our appeal.
- Mosby was not slated for removal from the Ranger Hall of Fame, the Ranger Memorial, or the National Infantry Museum (NIM). Nevertheless, the installation independently decided to remove him from the first two and then pressed for his removal from the NIM as well, actions which were in clear violation of existing laws. No names were supposed to be removed from museum exhibits, yet his was taken off the NIM's displays, directly contravening legal policy.
What to Expect Going Forward:
- The National Ranger Memorial Foundation (NRMF) will immediately appeal Judge Land's decision. Concurrently, we have been actively engaged in legislative efforts to resolve this issue, and we will intensify these efforts while also seeking relief through the executive branch.
We'll keep you informed as significant developments arise. Thank you for your continued support.
RLTW,
Captain (Retired) Barry D Todd
President
National Ranger Memorial Foundation
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