Sam was born July 19, 1923 and after several attempts to join the Navy, Army and Air Force while under age, he finally was accepted into the Ontario Regiment (RCAC). Caught once again for being under age, he was kept in and transferred to the RCOC trades school. After basic training, he transferred to the Toronto Scottish Regiment and trained on the Vickers machine gun. He volunteered for service in the 1st Special Services Force (Devil's Brigade), a combined special forces unit of Canadian and US paratroopers. In 1943, he participated in the invasion of Kiska and then moved to Italy with the Force and took part in many battles, including Monte la Difensa and the Anzio Beachhead.  As a Private, Sam was awarded the U.S. Silver Star for valour in Italy for saving two comrades under heavy fire.  Following the capture of Rome the FSSF moved to France, where he was awarded the U.S. Bronze Star for valour for engaging and capturing two enemy pillboxes.  Upon his return to England, he assisted in training the Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles of Canada for action.  After the war he joined the  RCR then the Cdn Guards and specialized in parachute instruction. In 1954 Sam became a member of the  PT Cadre and served in Petawawa and the ASPT Borden. Sam retired from the Forces in 1964.  He continued a civilian career in administration. His work with children over half a century earned him the Canada 125 medal, the Ontario Medal of Good Citizenship (OMC) and many other awards.  He also became involved with Army Cadets and achieved the rank of Major. His current project was assisting children in Afghanistan. Sam was a very charismatic individual who was known by many around the globe.