Foreword: This is the thirteenth publication in the Engineer Memoirs series of career oral history interviews. The series contains the selected recollections of major figures in recent Corps history. These memoirs lend important perspective to decision-making, now and in the future. By making these recollections available, the series preserves and shares the knowledge and experience of retired Corps officers and civilians.
Richard S. “Sam” Kem had a distinguished career in the United States Army, which culminated with his tenure as Deputy Chief of Engineers and Deputy Commanding General or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Earlier in his career, General Kem served as a battalion commander in South Vietnam, a group commander in Europe, commander of the Ohio River Division, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Engineer Center and Fort Belvoir, Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School, Deputy Chief of Staff, Engineer, and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Europe. I recommend this interview to the soldiers and civilians of the Engineer family.
