The U.S. Department of Defense found itself at the center of a heated controversy after the online tribute page for Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, a decorated Vietnam War hero, was suddenly removed. Rogers, a Black veteran who had been awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery in combat, was briefly erased from the official records, triggering intense backlash.
The issue came to light on March 15 when users attempting to access the page were instead met with a “404 error” message. What had once been a detailed recognition of Rogers’ heroism and leadership had seemingly vanished without explanation. Screenshots of the site before its disappearance showed that it had explicitly acknowledged Rogers’ advocacy for racial and gender equality within the military, further deepening the controversy.
Internet sleuths quickly noticed another suspicious detail—the page’s URL had been altered. Originally labeled under “medal,” the new version included “deimedal,” leading many to believe that the change was a direct reference to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Given the timing, this sparked even greater concern, as it coincided with executive actions taken by the Trump administration aimed at dismantling DEI-related initiatives across federal agencies.
In a newly issued directive, the White House emphasized a shift toward merit-based recognition, declaring that all federal agencies must eliminate policies perceived as favoring any particular racial or gender group. The order stated, “It is the policy of the United States to protect the civil rights of all Americans and to promote individual initiative, excellence, and hard work.” This decree was widely seen as a targeted attack on DEI programs, and for many, the removal of Rogers’ page appeared to align with this broader agenda.
The backlash was immediate and widespread. Social media erupted with frustration, with users accusing the Department of Defense of attempting to rewrite history. Many pointed out the irony of erasing a man who had not only demonstrated exceptional courage on the battlefield but also fought for equality within the ranks.
“This is infuriating,” one user wrote. “Charles Rogers wasn’t just a soldier—he was a leader, a symbol of resilience. And now, in 2025, we’re seeing his legacy be tampered with?”
As pressure mounted, the Department of Defense quietly reinstated the page on March 17, restoring Rogers’ story to its original form and removing any trace of the “dei” reference in the URL. However, for many, the damage had already been done. The brief erasure of his legacy raised questions about whether similar actions could happen to other historical figures who had championed diversity and inclusion.
Rogers’ contributions to the military were profound. He earned the Medal of Honor for his unwavering leadership during a brutal battle in Vietnam. Despite being under heavy enemy fire, he repeatedly ran through dangerous terrain to rally his troops and secure their position. Even after sustaining multiple injuries, he refused medical treatment, choosing instead to ensure the safety of his men. His selflessness and bravery cemented his place in history, and on May 14, 1970, he was personally awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon.
While the Department of Defense has yet to provide a clear explanation for why Rogers’ page was removed in the first place, the incident has fueled concerns about the potential erasure of other minority figures in military history. Whether this was an isolated mistake or a sign of a broader policy shift remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the public will not let such erasures go unnoticed.