Lieutenant Colonel Sam A. Sachs
Reflections on this veteran's military serviceSubmitted by Kim George
Sam is proud of the 32 years he served in the Army. After joining the Army in 1931, he found himself assigned to various posts including California, Arkansas, Georgia, and Louisiana. In the spring of 1943, as Europe began to be liberated, Sam relocated to the Casablanca in Africa. There he served as company commander for 200 men. That fall, Sam relocated to Ireland and later England, where he practiced flying a glider. He was instrumental in the planning of the invasion of Normandy with the gliders, a most ambitious airborne operation of the war. As Sam recollected about his service in the 325th Glider Infantry of the 82nd Airborne Division, "I was part of the biggest invasion operation since the beginning of time." More explicitly, he continued, "It was June 6, the sun was shining and we landed in Normandy at nine o'clock. The glider was shot at many times, but I found only one bullet hole. I remember it like it was yesterday."
Sam has led a patriotic and heroic career infused with action and meaning, and his story continues today: Sam is 104 years and still walks most days when he can. He tells stories about his time in the service and it is so interesting. He remembers it like it was yesterday; it is amazing. I love talking to him and he gives me lots of good advice. I am proud to have him as my friend. Sam returned to the United States in 1945 and continued to serve with the reserves until his retirement with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was married for 58 years and has three sons and five grandchildren. He currently lives in Lakewood. Lakewood CityTV featured Sam Sachs in this video profile as part of the “Brick by Brick” series. (Posted 2019) |
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