Fort Benning Historic Trail Site

Fort Benning Historic Trail

Historical Site 44. Felix Hall Memorial

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24th Infantry Regiment (Colored)

1 Jan 1922 – 12 Feb 1941

On 28 March 1941, Private Felix Hall was discovered hanged by the neck with his hands and feet bound. A 20th Engineer Regiment Platoon found his body in a ravine near the Chattahoochee River, about 1000 meters west of the Jump Tower area. PVT Hall enlisted in the Army in August 1940 and served as a rifleman in the 24th Infantry Regt. at Fort Benning until his murder. Although investigations by the Fort Benning Provost Marshal and the FBI were inconclusive, the press referred to PVT Hall’s murder as a lynching. Hall’s death, and other events over the next seven years where African American service members were denied equal access, convinced President Truman to take action. He initially formed the Civil Rights Commission and on 26 July 1948, he directed the full integration of the U.S. Armed Forces. Since then, the U.S. Army has led the Nation in creating an environment for Soldiers from all races and backgrounds to serve proudly in defense of our Nation. The U.S. Army remains focused on reflecting on the past, present, and future to ensure every single Soldier is afforded an equal opportunity to excel in supporting the Army’s mission.

Private Felix Hall was last seen near this location on 12 February 1941

A historical marker was erected on 23 July 2021.