MAJ Samuel R. Bird, USA, ’61, passed away on Oct. 18, 1984.
Bird is remembered as the leader of the casket detail at President John F. Kennedy’s funeral. Then stationed at Fort Myer (now Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall) near Arlington National Cemetery, he was called to receive the president’s body upon its arrival at Andrews Air Force Base. With only short breaks, he remained by the slain president’s side for three days until the funeral.
When the casket detail faltered while exiting Saint Matthew’s Cathedral, Bird calmly steadied the casket and led an unplanned final salute as the detail completed its solemn duty. For his leadership, he received the Army Commendation Medal.
Known as the “Perfect Soldier,” Bird had completed Ranger and Airborne training and was considered on track for general officer rank. He volunteered for service in Vietnam, where on his 27th birthday—his last day in the field—he was struck by an enemy sniper. The wound left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, but he continued forward with resilience and dignity. His service earned him two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart, and he was later promoted to major.
His remarkable life, lived fully despite great adversity, was told in So Proudly He Served, written by his wife Annette Bird with Tim Prouty.
Bird is honored on Panel 14E, Line 90 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.