News-Record.com

Thursday's No. 2 editorial

For 50 years, the Pentagon has resisted efforts to rename Pope Air Force Base for Greensboro's World War II flying ace George E. Preddy and his brother, William.

However, the transfer of the base by 2011 from the Air Force to the Army is an ideal time to do what should have been done years ago.

Arguments against at least a hyphenated compromise -- Pope-Preddy -- are mostly based on money, tradition and public perception.

Opponents cite costs of changing signage, stationery and other comparatively minor expenses. But more to the point, the military thrives on tradition, justified or not. It's been Pope AFB for years, so leave well enough alone.

U.S. Rep. Bob Ethridge, in whose district Fort Bragg and Pope AFB are located, has no problem adding the Preddys' name -- if his Fayetteville-area constituents support the idea.

That's an understandable concern, yet the impact of the Army's largest stateside military installation extends well beyond Cumberland County. Other state residents also deserve a say.

A name change in no way reflects negatively on World War I pilot 1st Lt. Harley H. Pope, who was killed in 1917 when his plane crashed into the Cape Fear River on a training flight.

Yet he pales in comparison with Maj. George Preddy, who downed more than two dozen enemy planes before losing his life to friendly fire over Germany on Christmas Day 1944.

William Preddy, who wasn't in combat long enough to amass such a distinguished record, died in a strafing mission over Czechoslovakia only days before the war in Europe ended.

Several books have been written about their exploits. A Web site maintained by the Preddy Memorial Foundation, which has worked diligently to raise the brothers' profile, also relates their accomplishments.

There's been some recognition locally -- a VFW post, a historic marker and a stretch of highway. But a well-deserved higher profile should come with a name when the Army takes over Pope AFB.