March 2, 2002

I got a email from LTC Knox today and I have to share these comments made at the Wall page for this man, Major Samuel Bird.  He was the Company Commander Bravo 2/12,  the day he was wounded his RTO was killed instantly.  Captain Samuel Bird was paralyzed and died of his wounds October 18th, 1984, so all the additions to the Wall are not MIA's.  I don't have his picture yet, but it may not be hard to get it, here is why.  I will add some of the other comments after the one that leads me to believe his picture is very accessible. I had to edit the spelling to get rid of the red lines.  Those wanting to sue me for plagiarism get in line and good luck.

A MAN MANY PEOPLE HAVE SEEN BUT TOO FEW KNEW.
I SERVED UNDER, THEN CAPTAIN SAM BIRD, IN 1964. IN COMPANY C FIRST BATTALION, REINFORCED 3RD INFANTRY, AT FORT MYER, VIRGINIA. THIS IS THE OUTFIT THAT DOES ALL THE CEREMONIAL DUTIES FOR THE ARMY. BURIALS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY, ARRIVALS, DEPARTURES, TOMB GUARD DUTIES, ALL ARMY SHOWS, AND GENERAL OFFICER RETIREMENTS. WE WERE HIS FIRST COMPANY COMMAND. CAPTAIN BIRD WAS THE TEXT BOOK EXAMPLE OF WHAT A LEADER SHOULD BE. HE LED BY EXAMPLE AND HAD A WAY ABOUT HIM, THAT WHEN DEALING WITH THE TROOPS THEY WANTED TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO LIVE UP TO HIS STANDARDS. tHOSE STANDARDS WERE HIGH. MAYBE THAT IS WHY, WHEN THE ARMY SELECTED A SOLDIER TO STAND GUARD OVER PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY'S CASKET, THEY SELECTED SAM BIRD. AT THE TIME HE WAS A FIRST LT. IN WHAT WAS THEN CALLED "HONOR GUARD COMPANY" NOW IT IS "F COMPANY. HE STOOD GUARD THE ENTIRE TIME OF THE FUNERAL FROM START TO FINISH, ONLY TAKING AN OCCASIONAL SHORT BREAK. IF YOU HAVE SEEN THE OLD BLACK AND WHITE NEWS FILMS OF PRESIDENT KENNEDY LAYING IN STATE IN THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITAL, YOU HAVE SEEN SAM BIRD. UNTIL NOW YOU JUST DIDN'T KNOW WHO HE WAS.
Thursday, November 01, 2001

I was serving in Co B 2nd/12th 1st Cav Div I believe it was Jan 28 1967 when we took off from L Z English to some obscure L Z. Capt Bird was on the first lift of ships and I was on the second lift into the L Z that's when we took HEAVY ground fire and Capt Bird was hit along with his RTO, John Bankowski who was killed on that L Z. There were numerous other wounded including my self. Capt Bird was a Hell of a company commander, well liked and respected by his men. If memory serves me correctly the day he was shot it was his birthday. I Know he made Major after that incident, But I still remember Him as Capt Bird. Rest in peace sir.
Tuesday, February 12, 2002


I met Sam after his injury. We were living in Hawaii and he and his wonderful wife Annette would come to visit. His inability to walk or care for himself never daunted his lust for life. He was a warm and wonderful man whose love for his country was only overshadowed by his love for God. He adored Annette, and anyone who saw them together knew why. ***Sam, I miss you.*** Annette, we've lost track of each other. If you see this please e-mail me. I miss you.
Saturday, September 23, 2000

Captain Bird's RTO was John Francis Bankowski -Age 18 From Dearborn Heights, MI and yes January 27th was Samuel Bird's birthday.