Francis L. Sampson
Francis L. Sampson | |
|---|---|
Official portrait of Chaplain (MG) Sampson, 1967 | |
| Nickname | The Parachuting Padre |
| Born | 29 February 1912 Cherokee, Iowa, US |
| Died | 28 January 1996 (aged 83) |
| Resting place | St Catherine Cemetery Luverne, Minnesota, US |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Service years | 1942–1971 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | U.S. Army Chaplain Corps |
| Conflicts | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Bronze Star Medal (1+1 "V" Device) Army Commendation Medal |
| Church | Catholic (Latin Church) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1 June 1941 (priesthood) by Gerald Thomas Bergan |
| Rank | Domestic prelate (6 January 1963) |
Francis Leon Sampson (29 February 1912 – 28 January 1996) was an American Catholic priest and military officer who served as the 12th Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army from 1967 to 1971. A World War II paratrooper chaplain who participated in the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge, Sampson was captured during both engagements and spent time in prisoner-of-war camps. He also served in the Korean War. A decorated war hero, he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Distinguished Service Cross and was nominated for the Medal of Honor.