Installation Renamings: The Story of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Novosel
After operating for more than 80 years under its old name, Fort Rucker is now officially Fort Novosel.
The Alabama Army post’s new moniker is in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Novosel, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War.
The Exchange operates a main store with a food court; two Expresses; a Class Six; and a mini mall with a Military Clothing store, Firestone Complete Auto Care shop, barber shop and more at the 63,000-acre installation, which is home to the headquarters for U.S. Army Aviation.
While serving as commander of a medical evacuation helicopter, Novosel flew into enemy territory without gunship cover to evacuate a group of wounded South Vietnamese troops who were pinned down by a large enemy force.
After locating and rescuing a wounded Soldier, Novosel circled the battle area at low altitude, deliberately drawing heavy machine gun fire to attract the attention of nearby friendly troops, who assembled for evacuation.
Novosel and his crew were forced out of the area by enemy fire six times, returning from a different direction each time to land and rescue additional troops. Despite piloting a heavily damaged helicopter and being wounded by enemy fire, Novosel performed 15 hazardous extractions and saved the lives of 29 Soldiers.
Fort Novosel is one of nine U.S. Army installations to undergo a name change this year on the recommendation of the Commission on the Naming of Items of the Department of Defense. Nearly every Exchange directorate—including IT, MD, FA, Corporate Communication, and more—played a role in preparing Exchange facilities at the installation for the name change.
“Chief Warrant Officer Novosel represents the kind of outstanding heroism that the Exchange is honored to support,” said General Manager Patricia Murauskas. “Whether at Fort Novosel or across the globe, the Exchange is always at the ready to provide service members and their families with the goods and services they need to carry out their mission and keep America safe.”
