The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Earl W. Snyder (ASN: 6949176), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Milne Bay, New Guinea, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 26 August 1942. Sergeant Snyder’s bomber was engaged in a bombing raid on an enemy convoy which was escorted by three cruisers and two gunboats, in Milne Bay. When the formation was about one minute away from the target, the enemy warships put up a heavy and accurate barrage of anti-aircraft fire, but the bombing run was continued. His plane was almost at the bomb release line when shrapnel entered the navigator’s compartment, striking Sergeant Snyder. Although fatally wounded, this soldier released four 500-pound bombs in train, before being over come. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Snyder, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.