Cuero, Texas March 2025- The Department of Defense has come under scrutiny for its recent removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content from its platforms, following an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the military to eliminate materials highlighting diversity efforts, resulting in the deletion of tens of thousands of photos, posts, and webpages. The purge has disproportionately affected content celebrating the contributions of women and minorities in the military.
Among the notable figures impacted by this directive is Roy P. Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero who was born in Cuero, Texas. Benavidez, revered for his extraordinary bravery during a six-hour firefight near the Vietnam-Cambodia border in 1968, saved the lives of eight soldiers while sustaining nearly 40 wounds. His heroic actions earned him the Medal of Honor, presented by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
Until recently, a page on the Defense Department’s website celebrated Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian who was one of the six Marines photographed hoisting a U.S. flag on Iwo Jima in 1945, as an emblem of the “contributions and sacrifices Native Americans have made to the United States, not just in the military, but in all walks of life.
Cuero, Benavidez’s hometown, honors his legacy with a statue located on U.S. Highway 87. The site is part of the Tour of Honor, a self-directed motorcycle ride that pays tribute to American heroes, including military veterans and first responders. Cuero has become a significant stop for military personnel and history enthusiasts, who view Benavidez as a symbol of courage and resilience.
The Pentagon’s removal of webpages detailing Benavidez’s story, along with those of other legendary minority service members, has sparked widespread criticism. The deletions also included content about Jackie Robinson, the first Black Major League Baseball player and WWII veteran, and Ira Hayes, a Native American Marine famously depicted raising the American flag at Iwo Jima during WWII. Additionally, pages commemorating Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Women’s History Month were targeted.
The Pentagon’s directive to remove diversity content has triggered widespread public outcry, prompting the restoration of some webpages and historical material. According to a Defense Department spokesman, while efforts have been made to recover key profiles and milestones of legendary service members, including those of Roy Benavidez and Charles Calvin Rogers, a significant portion of the content remains permanently lost. The sweeping deletions have erased countless stories and achievements of marginalized groups, leaving gaps in the historical narrative that may never be fully recovered.
The removal and subsequent restoration of this content highlight ongoing debates about the role of DEI initiatives in the military. As the Pentagon navigates these challenges, the legacy of heroes like Roy Benavidez serves as a reminder of the diverse contributions that have shaped the United States Armed Forces.