Private First Class John Paul Isaacs was born on October 14, 1944, and was originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He served his country in the Vietnam War in the United States Army, as an infantryman in B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. His tour in Vietnam began on January 8, 1966. A few months later, on April 23, 1966, PFC Isaacs was killed under accidental, non-hostile conditions in Hau Nghia province, South Vietnam; he was 21 at the time of his death. PFC Isaacs is memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 6E, Line 130.

The Elizabethton Star, April 24, 1966
Pvt. John Paul Isaacs, son of Mrs. Frank Fitzsimmons of Route 7, Elizabethton, was killed in Vietnam by a mine explosion, according to Col. E.R. Mattice of Johnson City, who informed the parents yesterday. Pvt. Isaacs, who had been drafted into service seven months ago, had been in Vietnam since February. He was a member of the 25th Infantry Division. The 21-yearold soldier attended Keenburg Elementary School and graduated from Elizabethton High School. He had been employed in Cleveland, Ohio, up until the time he entered service. He had planned to enter college at Cleveland and study for the ministry, but was inducted into service. Survivors are the mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Fitzsimmons. Two brothers, Robert L. Isaacs of Elizabethton and Frank L. Fitzsimmons of the home; two sisters, Mrs. Allen D. Renfro, Georgetown, Pennsylvania and Debra Jane Fitzsimmons of the one; one grandmother, Mrs. Cora Bristol of Longview, Washington.

Photo courtesy; Tom Reese

  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Date of birth:
    • 14 October 1944
  • Date of death: 23 April 1966
  • County: Carter
  • Hometown: Cleveland, OH
  • Service Branch: Army
  • Division/Assignment: 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
  • Conflict: Vietnam
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Happy Valley Memorial Park, Elizabethton, TN
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar XXII, Middle Panel
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