Sam Austen was the man Kate believed for many years was her biological father. He and Kate shared a great bond, and they shared activities with each other. For example they went hunting together, which is how Kate learned her tracking skills. He worked as a Sergeant Major in the US Army, in either the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He was romantically involved with Kate's mom, but the relationship broke down, most likely due to the prolonged occasions where Sam was required to travel.
Sam also served in Kuwait during Desert Storm. It was during this time that he encountered Sayid and, along with Kelvin, was amongst the soldiers who released him. ("One of Them")
Sam Austen holding Kate in his arms ("What Kate Did")
Years later, Sam was confronted by Kate after she learned he was in fact not her biological father, as he was stationed overseas prior to her conception. However, Sam still loved Kate, no matter if she was his blood kin. Giving her a head start, Sam said his final goodbyes to Kate at his army recruitment office. ("What Kate Did")
Trivia
Sayid appearing on the television in the corner of Sam Austen's office ("What Kate Did")
- A TV monitor in Sam's army recruitment center shows Sayid being pushed into the back of a car during the episode "What Kate Did".
The Sixth United States Army patch, seen on Sam Austen's uniform
- The Star Patch with a Red A in it, represents the Sixth United States Army.[1] This field army was based in Australia (South West Pacific Area), and commanded by Lieutenant General Walter Krueger during WWII.
Bloopers and continuity errors
U.S. Army personnel wear a patch on the right shoulder to reflect assignment to a unit engaged in combat. Sam Austen would not have been old enough to have been assigned to the Sixth Army when it was last engaged during WWII.
The light-blue and white ribbon worn to denote service in Korea is the Korean War Service Medal, which, as the name states, was awarded for service in the actual Korean War (27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954). This is not to be confused with the, Korean Defense Service Medal, which is still being awarded to all military personnel stationed in South Korea for one consecutive year. It is highly unlikely that Sam Austen served during the Korean War due to age, as well as not displaying any ribbons for service in the Vietnam War. It would be highly unlikely for a soldier with his qualifications to go the entire length of the Vietnam War without having been deployed.
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