Samuel Ayer Lutterloh

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on June 22, 2006:

Samuel Ayer Lutterloh Born May 16, 1927 - DED December 31, 1953 Many men distinguishing themselves at the Academy, have left their marks in forgotten record books and fading pictures on the shelves and walls of West Point. But one of the biggest of them all left his mark indelibly stamped in the hearts of his classmates and friends. Largest in size, quickest in laughter, greatest in heart, "Big Sam" will always remain in our memories as a living manifestation of Duty, Honor, Country. He endured the hardships of combat far better than most of us and was always able to find a laugh to lift and encourage his men. Leading one patrol after another, always in front in every fight, Big Sam became a legend in King Company and was known throughout the 2d Division for his indomitable courage and steadfast devotion to his duty as a leader of soldiers. Big Sam's home was in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Raised in the traditions of the South, he learned the gentle courtesy and deep attachment for the church that marked him throughout his life. Sports came easy to him and he was well known as an athlete before entering the Service during the war. The Army gave Sam the opportunity he wanted to serve his fellow men and his country, and he won an appointment to the Academy. At West Point the stories of Sam's activities foretold the legends that were to come. Sam and Beast Barracks, Sam and football, Sam and the hamsters provided enough laughs to get us all through our four years. We graduated and went our various ways, some to Korea. In Korea, Big Sam easily passed the toughest test any of us ever met. Often cited and already decorated for bravery, he vigorously continued his aggressive, personal fight with the enemy that threatened his country and his church. On the night of September 2nd, 1952, he led the point of a large patrol forward from Arrowhead Ridge. When the firing began, Big Sam disappeared into the dark in an attempt to flank the enemy. What happened is unknown, but the men of King Company will tell you that if it was humanly possible, Big Sam completed his mission. On January 29th, 1954, a communion service dedicated to Sam's memory was held in St. John's Church in Fayetteville. His friends and classmates, from Fayetteville and nearby military posts, filled the church to join the Reverend W. Tate Young, Sam's boyhood teacher and guide, and three other members of the clergy in paying last respects to a gallant soldier, a brave man, and a true friend. At this service nearly one hundred persons received the Holy Sacrament. Big Sam is still with us. He has joined the Long Gray Line, yet every bugle call shall stir his memory. At every Retreat, we shall see our national colors flying because Big Sam and brave men like him understood their duty to their country and unhesitatingly, unflinchingly, went forward. Here in the hands of the Great Captain, we who knew him, leave him - soldier among soldiers, remembered with honor. John R. Byers - Class of 1951 (9/29/2000) Sam is listed as Missing in Action and was Declared Dead as of December 31, 1953. Sam was an Infantryman. For the Infantryman's Creed click Creed ufa

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