The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Frederick W. Snyder (ASN: 36875483), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 31 January 1945, in the vicinity of Neunkirchen, France. During a raid on an enemy-held wooded area, the squad to which Private Snyder belonged was pinned down by enemy automatic weapons fire at a range of fifty yards. During the subsequent withdrawal, and after he had reached a position offering a fair degree of cover, Private Snyder observed that two members of the squad were unable to move back because of enemy fire directed at them. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Private Snyder stood up deliberately to draw fire upon himself, thereby enabling the other two men to withdraw safely. His outstanding gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and is commensurate with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.