In May 1921, Sam and his Mother immigrated to the United States. He grew up in the San Joaquin Valley in the central part of California, attending local schools, graduating from Dinuba High School in 1930. Sam farmed for a living and worked as Federal and State Fruit and Vegetable Inspector to meet financial needs.

In 1941, Sam volunteered for the Army Air Corps hoping to become a Ferry Command Pilot. He was shortly thereafter discharged and returned home to farm. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Army, receiving his basic training at Camp Roberts, California. When the commanding officer learned of Sam's knowledge of 5 languages, he was examined and shipped to Washington, DC. Following investigation of Sam's background and proficiency in foreign languages, he was shipped to England. The Third Army was being formed in France, and Sam was designated Clerk-interpreter at General George S. Patton's Headquarters from Saint Lo to Bad Toelz, until the war ended on May 6, 1945. During this period Sam was a participant at the "Battle of The Bulge" assault. Years later he received (as a token of appreciation) a personally signed picture from the King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium for services rendered saving Belgium from the German Nazi plunder.

In July 1945, Sam was transferred from Third Army Headquarters to General Eisenhower's office in Berlin Supreme Headquarters, American Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) as interpreter in the Finance Intelligence and Liaison Office.

In November 1945, Sam was returned home on an emergency basis as requested by the Red Cross. During Sam's service overseas his wife had became mentally ill and eventually committed suicide. Although Sam returned safe from the war, his wife was actually a war casualty.

Upon his return from overseas, Sam worked for the United States Bureau of Reclamation and concurrently attended Fresno State College, graduating in 1950. He then attended the University of California, Berkeley, receiving an MS in agricultural economics. He served for five years as the economist and statistician for the California Raisin Industry.

In 1956, the City of Fresno, County of Fresno, and the City of Clovis formed a combined planning commission to plan and formulate a master land use plan encompassing 200 square miles. Sam was employed as an Economic Planning Consultant for the economic portion of the master plan. In 1957, the City of Fresno invited him to become the City's economic planner. In 1961 Sam left Fresno and went south to become lntem City Manager during the day at Manhattan Beach and student at the University of Southern California at night to receive a Master of Public Administration Diploma.

From 1962 to 1975, Sam was invited by the Riverside County Administrator to manage newly incorporated cities. In 1966 he was called to Washington, D. C. by the State Department, interviewed and investigated to be sent to Vietnam as Civilian Governor of regional areas conquered by United States Military Forces. Due to disagreement on grade and salary offered, Sam did not accept the appointment. Returning to Riverside County, California, he managed San Jacinto, Desert Hot Springs, Norco, and Elsinore. These newly incorporated cities began operation financially broke, requiring a manager versed in municipal government and with a high degree of proficiency in financial operations.

The Fresno Exchange Club, early in 1994, met in the Legion of Valor Museum to conduct its weekly business and concurrently visit the Museum. Sam was enamored by the quality and historic value of the museum and inquired if he could help with the operation of the Museum. He was subsequently invited to perform the duties of a docent.

Sam has since become very knowledgeable of the military history displays at the museum. He is an honest, straightforward individual, and can be depended upon to render comprehensive and helpful suggestions toward the day-to-day running of the Museum. Sam is a tremendous asset, and the Legion of Valor Museum is very fortunate to have him as a member of its staff.

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