John Alexander Samford (August 29, 1905 – December 1, 1968)[1] was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force who served as Director of the National Security Agency.

In 1944, Samford was promoted to brigadier general and appointed chief of staff of the Eighth Air Force.

In October 1944 he was appointed deputy assistant chief of staff, A-2, Headquarters U.S. Army Air Forces.

It was during Samford's tenure as director of Air Force intelligence that Project Blue Book, which investigated unidentified flying objects (UFOs) was started.

In November, Samford was appointed director of the National Security Agency and promoted to lieutenant general.