MAJ Samuel Litz

Major Sam Litz is a native of Plano, TX. He graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS in 2013, with a BA 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 Ft. Sill, OK.

Major Litz was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, TX, He served as a Fire Support Officer, Fire Direction Officer, and Platoon Leader in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. Major Litz deployed in support of OPERATION RESOLUTE SUPPORT to Afghanistan in 2017, serving as Battalion Fire Direction Officer and a Fires Advisor to the Afghan National Army.

Following the Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course, Major Litz was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). There he served as the 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.

Major Litz completed a Master’s in Business Administration in 2019 from Texas A&M University–Commerce. In 2023, he earned an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His studies focused in Security, Strategy and Statecraft, Europe and Eurasia, and the Russian language.

Major Litz’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal (1 CS), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal. He is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.

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