TYLER, TX (KLTV) -
The State Veterans Home Naming Committee has made a final decision to remove one of the names from an East Texas veterans home.
Thursday morning, The Texas Veterans Land Board voted unanimously to remove Sergeant Samuel Garrison's name from the home. It is now called the Watkins Logan Texas State Veterans' Home
"This is the only time the Texas Land Board has had to deal with this issue," said Jim Suydam with the Texas Veterans Land Board.
Suydam says removing Samuel Garrison's name from this vets home in Tyler was their only choice.
"The Texas Veterans Land Board conducted an investigation and found that Sergeant Garrison served honorably; the decision to include his name was based on inaccurate information," said Suydam.
Suydam says Garrison claimed to be a member of the famed Tuskeegee Airmen, but that was not the case.
Another claim from Garrison was that he was given an honorable discharge as a Captain, but he was actually a Sergeant.
Claims that he earned two silver stars and a bronze star were also false.
"The board felt like such an honor should only be bestowed upon a correct military service record," said Suydam.
Dr. Kirk Calhoun nominated Garrison to have his name on the Veterans home in November 2011. He, like many others in the community, never thought to fact check Garrison's war stories.
"I don't think any of us want to play the role of the FBI. He was honored by the city. He was honored in the press. I was certainly impressed by what he had to say. If it's not true, that's sad. I don't think it was malicious, but sometimes people get caught up in stories," said Calhoun back in May.
The Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home is in the process now of removing Garrison's name from the building and the sign.
"Sergeant Garrison served honorably, but the decision to include his name was based on inaccurate information," Jim Suydam, Press Secretary for the General Land Office, said.
A memo obtained by KLTV says this is the first time in selecting a name(s) for a veterans home where there has been a validity issue concerning a nominee's military service.
The U.S. Department of Defense said they can not find any documentation that legitimizes Garrison's claim that he was a Tuskegee Airman.
As a result of the TVLB's own investigation, they have confirmed that Garrison did receive an Honorable Discharge. His rank was sergeant, not captain. His military occupational specialty was cargo checker.
Garrison's decorations and awards included the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Engagement Star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He did not earn two Silver Stars or Bronze Stars.
Garrison died last year at the age of 88.
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