Sam S. Walker

WALKER SAM SIMS WALKER general (Retired) Went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on August 8, 2015. Born July 31, 1925, at West Point, New York, Sam made the most of his ninety years, as a devoted husband and father, a loving grandfather, and loyal friend to many. Sam considered himself a Texan because he was born the son of the now famous Texan, WWII and Korean War hero, General Walton Harris Walker, "Patton"s Bulldog". Sam was a great American. After completing his Rat Year at VMI in 1942, he began his Army service as a cadet at West Point in 1943. Sam was a Cadet Regimental Commander and an excellent athlete who earned All American honors as a lacrosse player, and graduated in 1946. After graduation he served as a platoon leader of paratroopers in the 11th Airborne Division in Japan where he met and married the beautiful Charlotte Behrenberg. He gave a full life of service to our nation. He led Soldiers in combat as a company commander in the Korean War and as a brigade commander in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry and intrepidity in combat in both conflicts. Highlighting his career, Sam commanded the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, American Forces in Berlin, and later upon his promotion to four stars was appointed as Commanding General, Allied Land Forces Southeast protecting the southern flank of NATO in Turkey. He was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for his achievements there. Throughout his career, by his common sense leadership and enthusiasm, Sam motivated many of his officers to pursue Army careers. He was both an inspirational leader of young men and a builder of strong educational institutions as both The Commandant of Cadets at The United States Military Academy at West Point, and as The Superintendent of The Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia. In 2005 in recognition of his distinguished record of achievements in all aspects of his service to our nation, West Point presented Sam its salutary Distinguished Graduate Award. Of note is that Sam and his father were one of only two pairs of father-son four star generals in U.S. Army history. Throughout their sixty-seven years of marriage Sam and Charlotte held each other's hands with love and faith through the good weather and the storms of life. Together, as parents they have shown immense love and pride for their two sons, Walton ("Buck") and Sam and their daughter, Sally (pre-deceased), their six grandchildren and their spouses, and most recently, their great-grandchildren. Sam is survived by his wife, Charlotte, his son Col. (Ret)Walton H. Walker II and his wife Catherine K. Walker of Fayetteville, NC, and his son, LTC (Ret) Sam S. Walker III and his wife, June G. Walker of Watkinsville, GA and grandchildren, Walton H. Walker III and his wife Lorene, CPT Sam B. Walker and his wife Ashley, Joseph B. Walker, Charlotte E. Olsen and her husband, Thomas, Catherine G. Mielke, and her husband Benjamin, and Michael S. Walker, and great grandchildren Ellis Olsen and Gale Walker. A memorial service will be held at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, or West Point Association of Graduates, or Virginia Military Institute. Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com Boles Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.in Southern Pines will be assisting the family.Boles Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.in Southern Pines will be assisting the family.