Warren Alexander "Sandy" Samouce was born in Washington, DC, to COL Samouce ’24 and Mrs. Wellington Samouce. Sandy’s uncle, COL James Samouce was West Point Class of 1920. Sandy’s father and uncle were both born in the Ukraine. Sandy’s sister Ann is married to COL Tom Russell ’59. The Samouces were no strangers to West Point!
As an Army brat, Sandy lived in such diverse places as Ft. Monroe, VA, and Vienna, Austria, where his father was on duty with the Allied occupation forces. A high achiever in academics, Sandy was also an outstanding Eagle Scout. Before entering West Point as a cadet, Sandy attended Millard’s Preparatory School in Washington, DC.
At West Point, Sandy ranked in the top five percent of his class in overall merit. He was a member of cadet Company C-2, where he was popular with his classmates. As a plebe, Sandy "qualified on prunes" one morning in the cadet mess hall. This consisted of eating 100 prunes before the official end of breakfast. His reward, in addition to a roaring ovation from nearby cadets of all classes, was being allowed to eat at ease for an entire week. This privilege also was extended to his plebe classmates at the table, both of whom were most grateful.
Sandy’s "plebe parent" sponsors at West Point were MAJ and Mrs. John S.D. Eisenhower ’44, son and daughter in law of President-to-be Eisenhower.
Upon graduation, Sandy was commissioned in the Field Artillery, a family tradition. Stationed in Germany in 1955, Sandy met Judy Donnelly, daughter of LTG Harold C. Donnelly ’33. Sandy and Judy fell in love and were married in Paris, France, in September 1956. They have three children; Mike, Rob, and Kim; and seven grandchildren.
In 1960 Sandy was awarded a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and then was assigned to teach in USMA’s Department of English. Next, Sandy attended the Army Language School in California for three months, then deployed to Vietnam for a year as a military advisor. Next came a year as a battery commander, followed by selection to attend the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS.
Following graduation from Leavenworth, Sandy served on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon, in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations from 1967-70. From 1970-71, Sandy returned to Vietnam, where he assumed command of the 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, 4th Infantry Division. Sandy was deservedly proud of the fact that he did not lose a single soldier from his unit in combat. Next, Sandy was a student at the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. This was followed by a pleasant family assignment in Hawaii, where Sandy served in the Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command. Sandy was promoted to colonel and concluded his active duty military career in 1976 with the 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell, KY, where he commanded the Division Artillery. Sandy’s awards and decorations include The Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, The Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters, The Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, The Joint Service Commendation Medal, and The Army Commendation Medal for valor with one oak leaf cluster.
Upon military retirement Sandy joined the Bell Helicopter Corporation, where he served for almost 20 years as the manager of commercial marketing. During this second career, Judy and Sandy enjoyed three years in Singapore while Sandy conducted international military systems sales in Asia. When he returned to the States, Sandy became Bell’s manager for international V22-Osprey business development.
After retiring from Bell, Sandy and Judy moved to Lakeway, TX. Upon completion of their new home, Sandy and Judy became very active in community affairs. They enjoyed being members of the Newcomers Club so much that they soon organized a Newcomers Alumni Club and continued warm friendships. They played golf, fed deer in their yard, enrolled in adult education classes, and traveled extensively. Sandy became vice president, then president of the Greater Lakeway Association. He was also a "Paul Harris Fellow" member of his Rotary Club chapter. Other milestones that Sandy and Judy enjoyed included attending their 50th year class reunion at West Point, then celebrating their 55th year wedding anniversary with a marvelous trip to Catalina Island on the California coast.
Sadly, Sandy became unexpectedly ill in the latter part of October 2011. He developed breathing problems and passed away on Nov 3, 2011. A mass was conducted at Emmaus Catholic Parish, Lakeway, TX, on Veterans Day Nov 11, 2011.
Sandy was buried Feb 23, 2012, with full military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery at a site on high ground near the famous Arlington mansion, which is surrounded on all four sides by graves of Civil War soldiers. Close by are the grave sites of President George Washington’s step-son and wife. Sandy’s deceased parents and relatives are also close by. After a church service at the Old Chapel, Ft. Myer, the funeral procession marched briskly into the cemetery to the stirring tune of "On Brave Old Army Team." This seemed in keeping with Sandy’s upbeat outlook on life.
Sandy published a book in September 2011 titled The Chinese Connection. It has received enthusiastic reviews and undoubtedly Sandy would love to have his military classmates and other friends read and enjoy it.
May it be said, "Well Done, rest in peace."
—Robert P. Morris ’54, good friend