The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Sergeant Houston D. Snowden (ASN: ER-13232645), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of the Medical Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 26 May 1951, in the vicinity of Hangye, Korea. On that date he was attached as a medical aidman to Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment. The company was setting up a bivouac area when a loud explosion occurred nearby. Sergeant Snowden immediately ran in that direction. Informed that a soldier had wandered into a mine field and had been injured by an exploding mine, Sergeant Snowden, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran quickly into the center of the mined area to apply first aid to the injured man. His prompt action undoubtedly saved the man’s life. Sergeant Snowden then organized a litter team, led them into the danger area, and supervised the evacuation of the injured comrade. Sergeant Snowden’s heroic actions, reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.
Sponsored by:
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Soldier’s Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
SergeantRegiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 26, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 333 (July 21, 1951) -
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
CorporalRegiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 7, 1951
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 526 (July 8, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal Houston Davis Snowden (ASN: ER-13232645), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Snowden distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chigu-ri, Korea, on 7 March 1951. On that date, his company was making its way over mountainous terrain in an attempt to contact the enemy. As the company was making its way over the mountains, an enemy mortar barrage pinned down the leading platoon, inflicting heavy casualties. Without hesitation, Sergeant Snowden made his way through the enemy fire to reach his wounded comrades. While administering first aid, he was painfully wounded by mortar fragments but continued to treat the wounded. When the enemy barrage lifted, Sergeant Snowden observed three wounded riflemen whom he had not notice before and was moving forward to assist them when the concealed enemy opened fire on him with small arms and automatic weapons. Heedless of the hostile fire, he continued on to the wounded men and was administering aid when the enemy again delivered a barrage of mortar fire on the friendly positions. Shouting a warning to other members of the platoon, Sergeant Snowden flung his body over the man he was bandaging. As he was shielding his wounded comrade and enemy mortar burst nearby and he was wounded for the second time. Although bleeding profusely, he continued to administer to the wounded. When he ascertained that his wounded comrades had been properly cared for and safely evacuated, he proceeded to the aid station, where his own wounds were treated. Then, although weakened from loss of blood, Sergeant Snowden returned to the company and continued on the mission. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Snowden on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.