Fort A.P. Hill Re-Designation Honors Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients Anderson, Pinn, and Hill

Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia - August 27, 2025

In a historic ceremony held at the Beaverdam Conference Center, Fort A.P. Hill was officially re-designated to honor three extraordinary Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: Private Bruce Anderson, First Sergeant Robert A. Pinn, and Lieutenant Colonel Edward Hill. The event, hosted by Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Bauer, brought together descendants of the honorees, military leaders, and local dignitaries to commemorate the installation's new namesakes.

The re-designation marks a significant chapter in the installation's history. Fort A.P. Hill had been designated as Fort Walker in 2023. Earlier this year, the Secretary of the Army issued a General Order to redesignate the installation as Fort Anderson-Pinn-Hill (A.P. Hill), now representing the three Union Army soldiers whose valor and heroism earned them the nation's highest military honor.

Honoring Heroes of the Civil War

Private Bruce Anderson, First Sergeant Robert A. Pinn, and Lieutenant Colonel Edward Hill each demonstrated extraordinary courage during the Civil War:

• Private Bruce Anderson was one of 13 men who charged Fort Fisher, North Carolina, a heavily fortified Confederate stronghold. Armed only with axes, Anderson and his comrades braved intense enemy fire to breach the fort's walls, enabling their unit to secure a critical victory.
• First Sergeant Robert A. Pinn assumed command of his company after all officers were killed or gravely wounded. Pinn's leadership ensured his unit maintained its organization and continued the fight.
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward Hill led a desperate charge against concealed artillery batteries at Cold Harbor, suffering life-threatening wounds while rallying his men to overrun the enemy position.

A Ceremony of Reflection and Unity

The ceremony began at the Beaverdam Education Center, where family members of the honorees gathered with the Fort A.P. Hill garrison command team and Brigadier General Antoinette Gant, Commanding General of the Joint Task Force -National Capital Region / United States Army Military District of Washington.

During the formal ceremony, Lt. Col. Bauer welcomed attendees, including family members, local leaders, and Fort A.P. Hill personnel. He emphasized the Army's thoughtful decision to honor an enlisted soldier, a non-commissioned officer, and a commissioned officer, representing the full spectrum of Army personnel. He further elaborated that the redesignation "celebrates the legacy and connection that millions of Soldiers have had with this base since Fort A.P. Hill was established in 1941… representing the critical tie between the heroic actions of our predecessors more than one hundred and sixty years ago, and our sacred duty we are charged with executing: to build lethal, combat-ready formations ready to fight and win."

Brig. Gen. Gant, the event's guest speaker, highlighted the remarkable achievements of Anderson, Pinn, and Hill, as well as the installation's storied history as a premier training ground for warfighters. She noted that over a million soldiers trained at Fort A.P. Hill during World War II, with millions more following in their footsteps.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the installation's new sign, bearing the name Fort Anderson-Pinn-Hill (Fort A.P. Hill). Representatives of each honoree joined Brig. Gen. Gant and Lt. Col. Bauer in revealing the sign, accompanied by a celebratory performance from the U.S. Army Band's brass quintet and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Memorializing the Legacy

In addition to the installation's re-designation, three facilities on Fort A.P. Hill were memorialized in honor of Anderson, Pinn, and Hill:

• The Anderson Training Support Center: Recognizing the vital role of Soldier training in the Army, this facility underscores the importance of continuous training to build readiness. Anderson's family toured the center and participated in a hands-on demonstration at the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000.
• The Pinn Fitness Center: Dedicated to First Sergeant Pinn, this facility highlights the critical role of senior enlisted leaders in maintaining physical readiness. Pinn's family toured the center, guided by the Deputy Garrison Commander.
• The Hill Conference Center: The Beaverdam Conference Center, where the ceremony was held, was renamed in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Hill. This facility serves as a hub for training, planning, and team-building activities. Hill's descendants, Mr. John Sherwood and his wife Harriet, expressed their pride during an on-camera interview with a local Richmond news outlet.

The re-designation of Fort A.P. Hill stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Anderson, Pinn, and Hill, whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of soldiers. As Brig. Gen. Gant remarked, "Their stories remind us of the values we hold dear-service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the mission."