Samuel Countee

Samuel Albert Countee (April 1, 1909 – September 11, 1959) was an American painter and sculptor. He also exhibited at Howard University, Atlanta University, Smith College, Institute of Modern Art in Boston, and the 1936 Texas Centennial's Hall of Negro Life.

Countee was drafted into the United States Army in 1942 where he served in the 436th Engineer General Service Dump Truck Company. While in the Army, he was commissioned to create a mural for the African-American Officers’ Club at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He also painted sets for USO shows. Countee was interred at Long Island National Cemetery.

Legacy In 2019, the Fort Leonard Wood African-American Officers’ Club that houses Countee's mural was renamed SSG Samuel A. Countee Hall.

Countee's niece, Sammie Witing-Ellis, helped to attribute the mural to her uncle after finding matching work in his sketchbook.