VA Clinic Renamed to Honor Four Liberty County Vietnam Veterans

The John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic now stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of these local heroes. Each man was in his twenties when he gave his life in service to his country during a particularly brutal year of the Vietnam War.

“These four young men had their whole lives ahead of them,” said Scott Isaacks, director, and CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. “They dreamed of futures filled with family celebrations, career achievements, and countless precious moments with loved ones. Instead, they chose to put service before self.”

The stories of these four heroes are deeply intertwined with Liberty County’s rich military heritage. John Gibson was born on September 12, 1946, in Riceboro, Georgia. He joined the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Private First Class. Mr. Gibson 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 only twenty-one years old.

Dan James was born on March 20, 1948, in Riceboro, Georgia. He was drafted into the United States Army and shipped off to Vietnam in September of 1968. While with his unit in the 25th Infantry Division, he was killed by small arms fire on December 29, 1968. He was only twenty years old.

William Sapp was born on March 12, 1943, in Hinesville, Georgia. He was drafted into the United States Army and deployed to Vietnam in November of 1967. While in country with his unit the 4th Infantry Division, he was killed by multiple fragmentation wounds on June 7, 1968. He was only twenty-five years old.

Frankie Lee Smiley was born on May 18, 1944, in Liberty County, GA. He 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 only twenty-four years old.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), who championed the legislation for the renaming, shared the emotional journey behind the initiative. “When I went into that meeting with community leaders, I was skeptical,” Carter recalled during his House floor speech. “But when I left that meeting, not only was I convince, but I was committed to making this happen. I sat through that meeting that day, and I listened to the families. I listened to the friends tell the stories of their loved ones.”

The bill received unanimous support from the Georgian Congressional Delegation and broad backing from Veteran Support Organizations, including the Disabled Veterans of America Southeast Georgia Chapter, The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Georgia State Department of Veteran Affairs.

President Biden signed the legislation into law on May 13, 2024, marking the culmination of a community-driven grass roots effort to honor these fallen heroes. “ I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment and credit the amazing residents of Liberty County with giving these brave young heroes the permanent recognition they deserve in the home they gave their lives to protect,” said Carter.

During the ceremony, Isaacks emphasized the clinic’s ongoing mission. “Every Veteran who walks through these doors will be reminded of the price of freedom and the sacred obligation we have to care for those who have borne the battle,” he said. “This clinic will ensure that their legacy lives on, inspiring future generations.”

The newly renamed facility, located near Fort Stewart, serves a vital health care resource for the region’s Veterans. “This living memorial will serve Veterans for generations to come,” Isaacks added, “delivering the highest quality care with the respect and dignity that they deserve.”

The renaming ceremony brought together family members, Veterans, community leaders, and elected officials in a powerful demonstration of Liberty County’s enduring commitment to honoring its military heritage and supporting those who serve.