Samuel O. Koval

May 6, 1917- February 15. 2012 Samuel Oliver Koval, 94, of Twin Falls Idaho, formerly of Great Falls, MT, and Spokane, WA) passed away, 02/15/2012, at his home with his family by his side. Sam was born May 6, 1917, the 7th of 9 children to Jozef and Maria Koval in Lehigh, Montana. He graduated from Windham High School in 1937. After graduation, Sam went to Great Falls, Montana, and worked at the Black Eagle Smelter for 2 years, which allowed him to buy the family's first tractor. In September 1939, Sam joined the US Army Air Corps at Fort Missoula, Montana. After six months of basic training there, he was assigned to the Radio Shop at March Field, California for training as an electronic technician on the "New" B17 AC. Later in 1940, he was transferred to McChord Field in Tacoma Washington, followed by 9 months of training at a Radio School at Scott field in Illinois, then back to McChord to work with B25s. In the spring of 1941, he was assigned to Felts Field outside of Spokane, Washington. While he was stationed in Felts Field, Sam met, fell in love with and married Marguerite (Margie) Marie Lewis on 2 February, 1942.
Sam was involved with B25 bomber orientation training of Russian personnel at Felts Field and a new base at Pendleton, Oregon during the years of 1941 and 1942. Russia was to get B25 bombers under the US to Russia Lend lease program.
In 1942 the only B-25s in service were with the 17th Bombardment Group. The 17th Bombardment Group comprised the 34th, 37th and 95th Squadrons, plus the attached 89th Reconnaissance Squadron. Sam's group had received orders to transfer from Pendleton, Oregon to South Carolina in order to meet the greater threat from German submarines operating off the East Coast. Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, when selecting crews for the 18th of April, 1942 Tokyo raid, found out which B-25 unit had the most experience. He then went to that organization and called for volunteers, the entire group including the group commander, volunteered. 24 B-25Bs were diverted from the 17th Bombardment Group. 16 AC went on the raid because of the limitations of the carrier Hornet. Sam's crew volunteered but was not selected and went on to South Carolina in March of 1942. In South Carolina, Sam's crew set about preparing their aircraft for what was to be their journey to China. Titled "Project 157", they were ordered to Morrison Field Florida. The crews and the ground support personnel of "Project 157" were to join up with the crews of the "B-25 Special Project" (Doolittle's group) in China, to form the bomber portion of the US Army Force Support, for the "China Air Task Force," which President Roosevelt had promised to Chiang Kai Shek. Of course all of Doolittle's AC was lost in the Tokyo raid, although some of Doolittle's crews did later reunite with the "Project 157" units. During the war Sam received; the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Chinese Victory Medal (personally presented to him by Madam Kai Shek), Good Conduct metal and 6 Victory and Campaign Metals. Sam also fought in the Korean War. He retired from the Air Force in Portland, Oregon, in 1962.
After retirement from the Air Force, the family returned to Great Falls, Montana, where Sam worked for the US Post Office for 15+ years. Upon retirement from the US Postal Service, Sam and Marge returned to Spokane and lived there for several years. They later moved to Bridgeview Estates in Twin Falls, Idaho, to be closer to their daughter, Sharon. Sam is survived by Margie his loving wife of 70 wonderful years, where he was a loving father of his 3 children. His son Creig Koval of Great Falls, MT; Sharon (Gene) Porath of Jerome, Idaho; and Sammy F Koval of Denver, CO, his grand-daughters; Krystina (Bob) Edwards of Great Falls, MT and Shauna (Trenton) McRoberts of Boise, Idaho, his great grandchild and great great grandchild; Brittany (Jason) Bawks and Dean Bawks of Spokane, WA. Sam is also survived by his sister Elsie (Koval) Thompson of Billings, MT, and his brother Albert O Koval of Mascotte, FL. The family of Samuel wishes to give special thanks to Bridgeview Estates and to Visions Hospice Inc. both of Twin Falls, Idaho, and their staff for their dedication and loving care. Sam, Dad, Grampa, you were an inspiration and a leader to your family and friends. You will never be forgotten, and we will always love you. Graveside services will be conducted by Ball and Dodd Funeral Home 5100 West Wellesley Spokane, Washington. Sam will be laid to rest by the Fairchild Air Force base Honor Guard at the Fairmount Memorial Park 5200 Wellesley, Spokane, WA. The service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be sent to the Department of Retired and Disabled Veterans or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be left with the family by visiting www.whitemortuary.com.Samuel Oliver Koval

Service Details.

Service

When: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Location: Funeral Home
Address: