[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E256-E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SIOUX FALLS, SD, SAYS GOOD-BYE TO MSGR. FRANCIS SAMPSON

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a fellow 
South Dakotan who served his country as a highly decorated soldier and 
prominent priest, Msgr. Francis Sampson. Monsignor Sampson, 83, died of 
cancer Sunday, January 28, 1996. Having been born on leap day in 1912, 
today would have been his 21st leap year birthday. The Sioux Falls 
community and all of South Dakota mourn the loss of a valuable friend, 
educator, and hero. Monsignor Sampson's interests and influence went 
beyond his efforts within the church and the military. As a strong 
supporter of O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, SD, he helped many 
students pay for their tuition.
  Monsignor Sampson briefly served as pastor at Notre Dame Cathedral 
and Dowling High School in Des Moines, IA, before he began his military 
career in the Army chaplaincy as a first lieutenant in 1942. He was 
captured twice and wounded by the Germans during World War II, and his 
efforts earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. Sampson continued 
to serve his country in Korea where he rescued American prisoners of 
war. Prior to his retirement from the Army, Sampson became a monsignor 
in 1963. He was named deputy chief of chaplains for the Army in 1966, 
and in 1967 was made chief of chaplains and promoted to major general. 
Sampson's outstanding military service was recognized with his many 
awards, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
  Monsignor Sampson continues to make investments in the lives of 
children through the Monsignor Sampson O'Gorman Fund. In doing so, he 
has given the Sioux Falls community a legacy that will live on in the 
successes of 

[[Page E257]]
future generations. Monsignor Sampson's influence on our children and 
on so many others throughout the world should be remembered, as it will 
be missed.

                          ____________________