Theodore Lane Sampley was an American Vietnam War veteran and activist. He primarily advocated for those servicemen still considered missing in action or prisoners of war (POW-MIA) as of the end of hostilities in 1975. A staunch political conservative, he also ran for local political office several times. He is credited with the research that identified Air Force Lt. Michael Blassie as the Vietnam fatality buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and for his role in organizing the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle event in Washington. In Kinston, North Carolina, where he lived for much of his adult life, he was known for his local civic activism, most notably his effort to build a replica of the Confederate ironclad CSS Neuse, the only full-size replica of a Confederate ironclad, in the city's downtown.
Ted Sampley, American POW/MIA activist (died 2009)
On July 17, in the year 1946, Ted Sampley, American POW/MIA activist (died 2009). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of July 17, one of 417 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Ted Sampley. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on July 17, 1946 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 5 May 2026.
On This Date in History 417
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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