Winnetka resident Samuel “Sam” Badger has been finding ways to help people since the Wilmette native was a Boy Scout.
The Skokie Valley Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution decided Badger deserved recognition for his lifetime of service. At the organization’s Oct. 21 meeting, they awarded the 91-year-old the prestigious DAR Medal of Honor.
The medal is given to those who have shown extraordinary leadership qualities, service, and patriotism, and has made lasting contributions.
Susan Chadd, regent of the Skokie Valley Chapter, knew that Badger exhibited all those qualities so she collected information about him from his daughter Helen Simon. She gathered letters of recommendation, wrote a biography of him, and submitted the information to the state branch of the DAR. They agreed with her choice.
“It’s a national award,” Chadd said. “We couldn’t do anything until it was approved by the National Chairman of the Americanization Committee.”
Badger’s list of contributions include being awarded a Silver Star for bravery while serving in the Marine Corps. While stationed in Korea, he cared for refugees there, even having warm clothing shipped from America.
He and his late first wife, Ann, were founding organizers of St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Northfield. Through that church and St. Elisabeth Episcopal Church in Glencoe where the couple later became members, Badger served as warden of the vestry, chairman of various committees, cook for church meals and electrician.
He was one of the leaders of the Family Promise program which helped families become financial stable. He also lead a church Boy Scout Troop.
He was also an active Rotary member and served on the school board of St. Edmund’s Academy.
That is only a partial list of Badger’s many contributions, but Chadd is convinced that the quiet way that he influences others also makes him a worthy recipient of the award.
“The thing that strikes me about him the most is he inspires confidence in everyone in a good outcome,” Chadd said. “People trust him.”
“It’s special to be recognized by a wonderful organization like that,” Badger said.
He modestly noted, “I don’t go looking for people to help it just kind of works out. If I’m in a situation where I can be of help, I try to help. That’s been my idea of service.”
In talking about his achievements, Badger is quick to credit others. In terms of that Silver Star he received following a raid. “They thought I was worthy of that special honor,” he said. “My platoon was a big part of that.”
In terms of his service to the church, Badger explained, “I just kind up grew up with it. It’s been an important part of my life both in the United States and in Korea.”
Badger’s daughter, Helen Simon, appreciates the contributions her father and mother made.
“Growing up with my father and mother and how much they were involved in the community and with the church, and caring for others, has been very important for my family and my sister and brother as well,” Simon said. “Their involvement is very inspirational.”
Retired after a long career at Commonwealth Edison in Northbrook, Badger keeps busy in his usual way.
“I have interest in the church and interest in the community, and I follow what’s going on in the world,” he said.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
