Additional Notes of William Woodrow Sams
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Men In Service (1957) KIRTLAND AFB, N. M. - Maj. William W. Sams, USAF, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Sams, 675 S. 9th, Salina, Kas., is commanding a fighter aircraft flight test squadron in the airForce program of nuclear research and development and Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. The Air Force Special Weapons Center at Kirtland (part of Air Research and Development Command) coordinates research, development, and testing to provide nuclear-carrying capability for USAF bombers, fighters, rockets, and missiles. Largely through the Center's work, nearly all front-line USAF air vehicles can deliver nuclear weapons to defend this nation against aggression. AFSWC also evaluates personnel hazards involved in development, test, and use of nuclear weapons, and it provides support to the Atomic Energy Commission in continental and overseas nuclear tests. The Kirtland Center also monitors research to design structures to withstand nuclear blasts, and it coordinates research of nuclear effects anywhere from underground to outer space. Major Sams is commander of the 4927th Test Squadron, which tests special weapons and related delivery systems for use with jet fighter aircraft. The unit works toward complete test projects, consisting of the weapon, delivery system, and aircraft, all mated into a combat unit ready for operational use. Jet fighter aircraft used in the mating program include the supersonic F-100 and F-101, flight-tested in combat delivery maneuvers. These include low altitude bombing system (LABS) maneuvers, dive toss, dive, and straight and level. Sams began his current tour of active duty with the Air Force in October, 1948, after prior service dating back to 1940. He has taken part in three full-scale nuclear test series in the field, flying with AFSWC 4926th Test Squadron (Sampling), which gathers samples of radioactive clouds for analysis by AEC. In World War II he flew B-29s with the 6th Bombardment Group from Tinian. Later he served in Germany and England. He is now a command pilot with over 5000 hours. He has three children, Ronald W., 14, Judith L., 13, and Robert W., 7. Williams W. Sams INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH, Fla. -- William W. Sams, 80, Indian Harbour Beach, died Sunday, Oct 25, 1998 at his home. Mr. Sams was a native of Minneapolis, Kan., and was a resident of Florida since 1970, moving from Albuquerque, N.M. He was a retired Air Force colonel and pilot. He was a member of the Daedalions and The Retired Officers Association. Survivors include his wife, Elsie of Indian Harbour Beach, two sons, Ronald W. of Melbourne and Rober of Clinton Township, Mich.; a doughter, Judith Sams of Albuquerque; two brothers, Vaden of Culver, Kan., and Larry of Salina, Kan.; five sisters, Agnes Roy of Shawnee Mission, Kan., Lois Valle of Wayne, N.J., Margaret Vicek of San Diego, Bethel Jilka of Hill City, Kan., and Velma Pettle of Salina; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 S. Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach 32937. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 4356 Fortune Place, Suite B., West Melbourne 32904. |