MAJ Samuel Litz

MAJ Sam Litz is a native of Plano, Texas. He graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) as a Field Artillery officer and attended Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Litz was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, at Fort Bliss, Texas. He served as a fire support officer, fire direction officer, and platoon leader in 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. Litz deployed in support of Operation Resolute Support to Afghanistan in 2017, serving as battalion fire direction officer and fires advisor to the Afghan National Army.

Following the Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course, Litz was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). There he served as assistant operations officer, squadron fire support officer, and Bulls Battery commander in 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment. He deployed with Bulls Battery to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in 2020.

Litz completed a master’s in business administration in 2019 from Texas A&M University–Commerce. In 2023, he earned a master’s in international relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), focusing on security, strategy and statecraft, Europe and Eurasia, and the Russian language.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (one oak leaf cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (one oak leaf cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal (one campaign star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.

Litz is married to the former Stephanie McDonough of Iowa City, Iowa. They have four children: Mary, Zoe, Bernadette, and John Joseph. They reside in West Point, New York. Litz currently serves as an instructor for MX400 Officership at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic.