LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) - The Ralph H. Johnson Veteran's Affairs (VA) Health Care System is set to host a renaming ceremony for its outpatient clinic to honor four Vietnam War Veterans from Liberty County, Georgia.
On Monday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m., the clinic will be renamed the John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.) and Scott Isaacks, director and chief executive officer of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System will both deliver remarks.
"It's an honor to be able to recognize these four brave men who sacrificed everything for our nation," said Isaacks. "We will not stop recognizing our nation's heroes and are committed to ensuring that all Veterans receive the care and recognition they deserve.”
John Gibson (1946-1968), of Riceboro, joined the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Private First Class. He arrived in Vietnam on October 12, 1967, with the 1st Marine Division, and was killed by small arms fire during the Tet Offensive on February 7, 1968. He was 21 years old.
Dan James (1948-1968), of Riceboro, was drafted into the United States Army and shipped off to Vietnam in September 1968. He was killed by an arms fire while with his unit in the 25th Infantry Division on December 29, 1968. He was 20 years old.
William Sapp (1943-1968), of Hinesville, was drafted into the United States Army and shipped off to Vietnam in November of 1967. While serving with his unit the 4th Infantry Division, he was killed by multiple fragmentation wounds on June 7, 1968. He was 25 years old.
Frankie Lee Smiley (1944-1968), of Liberty County, joined the United States Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. He arrived in Vietnam in January 1968 with the 1st Marine Division and was killed by small arms fire on August 25th, 1968. He was 24 years old.
The renaming follows the passage of H.R. 593, introduced by Carter and signed by President Biden, May 13, 2024 after a community-driven initiative to recognize these Veterans' service.