In Memory of PFC Noah Samuel-Siegel, US Army
February 20, 2002 – November 8, 2021
Active Duty – South Korea
Noah’s aunt called him a force of love. Not only did he radiate love and light but his cup was so full, it perpetually flowed into the cups of people around him. He brought so much joy into our lives. Someone once told us that only someone who knew they were loved could love as much as Noah. We wish we could take more credit for what a great person Noah was, but it was just who he was, and he made it so easy to love him.
At only 19, Noah still possessed a childlike sense of wonder and enthusiasm for life, people, nature, adventure, and good food. But he was also an old soul. He felt things deeply. From an early age, Noah demonstrated an authenticity to himself and his values. As a boy, Noah – bursting – took over toasting duties during family gatherings. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and the sense of connection to the personal lives of those who came before us.
Noah’s second grade teacher noted that he had a good grasp of right and wrong, as well as what is truly important. The characteristics that Noah’s teacher recognized at ages 7 and 8 remained his North Star throughout his life.
Noah always led with compassion. He was always looking out for others, giving generously and selflessly of whatever money or food he had, or making others feel included. A new student he welcomed in middle school became a lifelong friend. At home, he would offer to accompany people on errands so they didn’t have to be alone.
At his service, Noah’s high school wrestling coach recounted finding Noah standing outside the gym one morning, in the rain, holding his French horn. He had both wrestling and marching band that day, and he’d had to walk to school for some reason. In order to make sure he wasn’t late, he left very early and was the first to arrive. Noah’s coach remarked that Noah never wanted to let anyone down.
Noah’s sociable and respectful personality also won over employers and parents. He once walked into an Acme to make change and, after a friendly conversation with the store manager, left with a job. The parents of three young women Noah spent time with attended his service. He even charmed his girlfriend’s grandmother.
Noah had big goals but didn’t take himself too seriously. He laughed at himself easily, like when our pretty young waitress came to the table as Noah was doing his Scottish accent and he charmingly said, “I’m sorry if that was awkward for you. It was for me.” He loved dad jokes and pranks. It still makes me laugh to remember when Noah hid his phone – playing fart sounds! – in the sunroof of the car.
Noah craved adventure, travel, a sense of purpose, camaraderie built on shared goals and values following high school. Noah was ready for it to be tough, in fact, he wanted it to be tough because that’s what he thought being in the Army meant. I (mom) was extremely nervous about him joining the Army, but Noah was so brave and inquisitive! Although he’d never been away from home, he was excited to go to Korea. He studied the culture and language. My fears seemed unfounded. He was doing well and took pride in his role and responsibilities as an MP. He matured quickly, was well-nested within his unit and became close with the KATUSAs (Korean soldiers who served alongside American soldiers as language and cultural translators). Noah would often cook or order enough food to share with others. He liked to explore Korea when COVID restrictions allowed. He loved Korean food, eating BBQ and even fresh octopus picked from a tank on the sidewalk.
Noah was thinking about using his Army experience as a starting point to career as a police officer. We think he liked the idea of being a small town cop, helping his neighbors. This goal may have been seeded by an experience Noah had in middle school, when he reported that another student was making threats of violence for the following day. As a result of his report, the police investigated, and the next day he was hailed a hero by relieved fellow students.
We don’t know that Noah had an opportunity to do anything quite so heroic as an MP, but he had some story-worthy experiences, like when he had to tell a superior to return the backseat of a taxi to its rightful place–long story, but he had literally taken the backseat out of the car! It must have been awkward, but Noah believed in helping people and doing what was right, even when it was hard.
When the Army was making Noah’s life so difficult that other Soldiers took notice, Noah did his best to cope with the circumstances. He continued to be friendly and maintained his professionalism. He did not complain. Noah was trying to soldier on, as they say, but his leadership kept piling on stressors until they broke him. Noah demonstrated more integrity, honor, and loyalty than his leadership.
We couldn’t be more proud of the young man Noah shaped himself to be. Noah was so strong in character, in heart, and mind. As his Safta (Grandma) noted, only the Army could have taken him down.
Born: Haddon Heights, NJ, also lived in Newton, NJ and Pearland, TX
Resting Place: NJ Newton Cemetery Co. (plot 570 #2 Sec. N)
