Posted by Wood DeLeuil on May 8, 2012:

Sam Gates, Jerry Burcham and I were roommates during Beast Barracks. Similar to Bob Sorley's posting, at the first opportunity to leave the barracks, Sam invited us to his mother's quarters for a brief respite from the rigors of 6th New Cadet Company. Unfortunately, she was not home at the time. Being on a starvation diet, we ravenously ate everything in sight. Sam never mentioned what his mother had to say when she returned to an empty refrigerator and pantry. Fast forward to 1957. Sam and I received our first troop assignments with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY-- Sam to an engineer company and I to a rifle company. His first task was to construct Sukchon Drop Zone, a very responsible assignment. In contrast, my company commander sent me out to scrounge grass seed for the company area. Sam Gates came to my rescue and provided more than enough seed for the job. I avoided abject failure, while Sam received well deserved kudos for building a first class tactical DZ. This was typical of Sam's generosity and concern for others. Sadly, the next time our paths crossed was at several Class of '56 Reunions. By that time his health had deteriorated and he was no longer able to get around as before. But the old sense of humor, photographic memory and compassion for others remained. Well done, Sam. Be thou at peace.

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