WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bill to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, as the "John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic,” championed by Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and supported by every member of the Georgia Congressional Delegation, was officially signed into law on May 13, 2024.
H.R. 593 honors four Liberty County heroes who courageously paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War and is the result of a community-led push to give these veterans the recognition they deserve.
“John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley had bright futures ahead of them, and the Hinesville VA clinic will now bear their names as a reminder to all that freedom isn’t free. 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 Rep. Buddy Carter.
BACKGROUND
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 shipped off 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.
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