Guntersville, Alabama, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The Guntersville VA Clinic has been renamed to honor Colonel Ola Lee Mize, a Medal of Honor recipient for his valor during the Korean War. This tribute took place in a ceremony attended by local and federal officials, showcasing the significance of Mize’s heroic contributions to the U.S. military. The renaming serves not only as recognition of Mize’s bravery but also as a lasting legacy for future generations at the newly named Col. Ola Lee Mize VA Clinic.
Guntersville, Alabama
The Guntersville VA Clinic has officially been renamed to the Col. Ola Lee Mize VA Clinic in a ceremony held on Thursday at 100 Judy Smith Drive. This renaming serves as a tribute to Colonel Ola Lee Mize, an esteemed Medal of Honor recipient from Albertville, Alabama, who displayed extraordinary heroism during the Korean War.
This change was made possible through legislation introduced by Congressman Robert Aderholt, and was signed into law on November 25, 2024. The ceremony featured speeches from leaders within the Department of Veterans Affairs, elected officials, and family members of Col. Mize, all of whom celebrated his dedication and bravery.
Col. Mize was born in Albertville on August 28, 1931, and served valiantly in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His remarkable contributions significantly impacted the formation of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Notably, during the battle at Outpost Harry in June 1953, Mize’s courageous actions included saving fellow soldiers, leading counterattacks, and resisting enemy advances, which ultimately earned him the nation’s highest military honor: the Medal of Honor, conferred to him by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954.
After the Korean War, Col. Mize continued to serve in Vietnam and received multiple awards for his bravery, including the Bronze Star and Silver Star. He concluded his lengthy military career in 1981 and passed away in March 2014 at the age of 82.
The ceremony included the unveiling of new clinic signage and a plaque positioned at the entrance, which commemorates his service. Additionally, a permanent display honoring Col. Mize along with his Medal of Honor citation has been installed in the clinic’s lobby, ensuring his legacy is prominently recognized and celebrated.
Dr. Ladi Kukoyi, the Executive Director of the Birmingham VA Health Care System, remarked on the significance of the clinic being named after Col. Mize as a symbol of his valor and unwavering commitment to veterans. Col. Mize’s widow, Betty Mize, expressed appreciation for the honor, reflecting her husband’s passion for serving and protecting fellow soldiers. She hopes that his legacy will continue to inspire others.
The renaming ceremony was attended by an array of local, state, and federal representatives, including Alabama State Senator Wes Kitchens and various members of Congress, showcasing the community’s support and collective remembrance of Col. Mize’s remarkable contributions.
Key Details
- Name of Clinic: Col. Ola Lee Mize VA Clinic
- Location: 100 Judy Smith Drive, Guntersville, Alabama
- Legislation Signed: November 25, 2024
- Key Honoree: Col. Ola Lee Mize
- Born: August 28, 1931, in Albertville, Alabama
- Medal of Honor Awarded: 1954
- Years of Service: 1953 – 1981
- Proud Members in Attendance: Various local, state, and federal officials
Background
Col. Mize’s military legacy began during a tumultuous time in history, characterized by the Korean War’s fiercest battles. His actions at Outpost Harry not only saved lives but also exemplified the core values of honor and bravery within the U.S. Army. The renaming of the clinic to his name ensures that future generations will learn about his sacrifice and commitment to defending the freedom and safety of others.
FAQ Section
Why was the Guntersville VA Clinic renamed?
The clinic was renamed to honor Colonel Ola Lee Mize, a Medal of Honor recipient known for his heroic actions during the Korean War.
When was the renaming ceremony held?
The renaming ceremony took place on a Thursday, though the specific date was not provided in the announcement.
What is the location of the Col. Ola Lee Mize VA Clinic?
The clinic is located at 100 Judy Smith Drive in Guntersville, Alabama.
Who introduced the legislation to rename the clinic?
The renaming legislation was introduced by Congressman Robert Aderholt.
What accomplishments did Col. Mize achieve during his service?
Col. Mize earned numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and Silver Star, and was integral in the establishment of the U.S. Army Special Forces.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Clinic | Col. Ola Lee Mize VA Clinic |
| Location | 100 Judy Smith Drive, Guntersville, Alabama |
| Significant Legislation Date | November 25, 2024 |
| Honoree | Col. Ola Lee Mize |
| Birth Date | August 28, 1931 |
| Medal of Honor Award | 1954 |
| Service Years | 1953 – 1981 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Redstone Rocket
- Wikipedia: Col. Ola Lee Mize
- WAFF
- Google Search: Col. Ola Lee Mize
- WHNT
- Google Scholar: Col. Ola Lee Mize
- WAAY TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Col. Ola Lee Mize
- Sand Mountain Reporter
- Google News: Guntersville VA Clinic
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
