John Alexander Samotis

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on August 8, 2006:

John Alexander Samotis Born September 4, 1927 - Died August 7, 2006 John Alexander "Sam" Samotis was born in Jamesport, New York on 4 September 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the Army of the United States. His West Point classmates recall: "Just before being discharged from the Air Force, Sam suddenly decided to give up his ambition to become a chemical engineer and accept an Army appointment to the Military Academy. The Army and Sam are both very happy about the change. He always enjoys discussing pretty women and the length of Long Island more than studying. Sam's ready smile gets even larger when soccer is mentioned." During his cadet days Sam went out for Soccer all four years, earned Numerals and a Monogram in the sport and served as a Coach; was with the Camera and Russian Clubs, served as Treasurer of the latter, yearling, cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Sam went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to the Air Base Group in Seoul, Korea and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, and three Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. From 1954 to 1955 Sam served with the 44th Air Transport Squadron and then received orders to Headquarters, Atlantic Division, Military Air Transport Service where he served from 1956 to 1957. From 1957 to 1958 Sam attended the University of Washington and then reported to Headquarters, 1st Weather Wing where he served from 1958 to 1962. From 1962 to 1964 Sam served at Headquarters, Air Weather Service and then in 1965 attended the Air Command and Staff College and earned an Master of Science degree from George Washington University as well. From 1966 to 1969 Sam was assigned to Air Defense Chief of Staff for Personnel at Headquarters, Weather Service and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Then from 1969 to 1971 Sam served as Commander Headquarters, of the 21st Weather Squadron, Europe and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Next Sam served first as Commander of the 3rd Weather Squadron in 1971 and then as Weather Officer of the 9th Air Force from 1972 to 1974 and was awarded a second Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. From 1974 to 1976 Sam was with OJ3 of the Joint Staff and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Sam's last military assignment was as Commander of 1st Weather Squadron from 1976 to 1979 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Sam retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 as a Colonel. On retirement Sam became Controller of 'Berry's On Main' in 1981 and then Controller of the Babcock Center in 1982. In 1983 Sam went in the real estate business and maintained that position to the present. Sam and his wife Peggy made their home in Lexington, South Carolina. The January 1995 Assembly noted that John and Peggy were visited by son Jerry and family over July 4th. John was mostly retired but managed to work a couple of days a week in real estate. He died on August 7, 2006.

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