The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Ernest Maynard Snowden (NSN: 0-71522), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron SEVENTY-TWO (VS-72), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 7 and 8 August 1942. Lieutenant Commander Snowden led his scouting squadron in three dive-bombing attacks against hostile position on the Solomon Islands, and silenced the fire of an enemy battery opposing the approach of our landing boats, thereby contributing greatly to the seizure of the islands. Later, while engaged in single combat, he successfully out-maneuvered and shot down a Japanese seaplane fighter. His superb airmanship and courageous devotion to duty, maintained with utter disregard for his personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 16 (AG-16)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)Action Date:
June 11 – 25, 1944
Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0362 (July 8, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Ernest Maynard Snowden (NSN: 0-71522), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Air Group SIXTEEN (AG-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands, from 11 to 25 June 1944. Undaunted by grave hazards, Commander Snowden led his flight on numerous strikes deep within enemy-held territory and directed successful attacks against hostile emplacements, personally shooting down one enemy plane, destroying four supply trucks and three grounded aircraft and subsequently voluntarily leading a long-range search for the Japanese Fleet in this area. By his expert tactical knowledge, airmanship and devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations, Commander Snowden upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 16 (AG-16)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)Action Date:
September 18 & October 5, 1943
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0185 (January 14, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Ernest Maynard Snowden (NSN: 0-71522), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Squadron Commander during attacks on Tarawa Atoll on 18 September and Wake Island on 5 October 1943. He personally led six bombing attacks on these targets against intense anti-aircraft fire and caused great destruction to the enemy. His persistence and aggressiveness throughout these attacks were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 16 (AG-16)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)Action Date:
December 4, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Ernest Maynard Snowden (NSN: 0-71522), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of an Air Group and Director of four Air Groups in action against enemy Japanese forces at Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 4 December 1943. A determined and forceful leader, Commander Snowden skillfully directed a well coordinated, brilliantly executed strike against Japanese air and surface forces despite an intense, withering barrage of fire from enemy ground installations and aircraft, thereby contributing to the success of his command in destroying or seriously damaging many enemy aircraft, men-o-war and merchant ships. Commander Snowden’s daring combat tactics, his skillful airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty, maintained at great personal risk, were essential factors in the success of our air operations in this vital war area.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 16 (AG-16)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)Action Date:
November 19 – 22, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Ernest Maynard Snowden (NSN: 0-71522), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as Air Group Commander during four separate attacks against the enemy-held base at Mille in the Marshall Islands on 19 to 22 November 1943. In addition to outstanding leadership, he, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, strafed a large stores building and skipped bombed his half-full belly tank into the building setting it on fire; strafed installations; set a small boat on fire; and took many valuable photographs on all four attacks. On two attacks his plane was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and on a third attack his belly-tank was blown completely off and exploded in flames. His courage in pressing home the missions entrusted to him and his gallant leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderRegiment:
Air Group 16 (AG-16)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)Action Date:
April 29 – 30, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Ernest Maynard Snowden (NSN: 0-71522), United States Navy, for distinct and aggressive leadership of a carrier base air group in the attacks against Japanese-held Truk Islands on 29 – 30 April 1944. His leadership in these actions was an inspiration to the squadron commanders and pilots who carried out his orders with precision and persistence. The damage to the enemy done by the group as a whole was extensive and crippling. Individually, he directed the progress of two separate strikes on these bases and upon completion performed photographic missions with exceptionally fine results. He spent a total of six hours over the target area during the two days and was subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire during this period. At all times, his leadership and actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.