Samuel W. Koster

Samuel William Koster
Koster circa 1970. His uniform includes the ribbon for the Army Distinguished Service Medal, which was subsequently rescinded.
Born	(1919-12-29)December 29, 1919 West Liberty, Iowa, U.S.
Died	January 23, 2006(2006-01-23) (aged 86) Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Army
Years of service	1942–1973
Rank	Major general (highest rank held) Brigadier general (rank at retirement)
Unit	U.S. Army Infantry Branch
Commands	Superintendent, United States Military Academy Americal Division Task Force Oregon Plans and Programs Division, Office of the U.S. Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development Command and Staff Department, United States Army Infantry School 1st Infantry Brigade 29th Infantry Battle Group
Battles / wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Army Distinguished Service Medal (later rescinded) Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal (2) Air Medal (5) Purple Heart
Spouse(s)	Cherie Kadgihn ​ (m. 1943)​
Children	5
Other work	Executive vice president, Koppers and Hanson Industries

Samuel William Koster (December 29, 1919 – January 23, 2006) was a career officer in the United States Army. He attained the rank of major general, and was most notable for his service as commander of the Americal Division and Superintendent of the United States Military Academy. A veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Koster was slated for promotion to lieutenant general before receiving a reduction in rank to brigadier general and retiring as a result of his efforts to minimize the details of the My Lai Massacre.