Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Russell Newman Snoad (ASN: 31018801), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Petit-Coo, Belgium, on 23 December 1944. On that date his company was pinned down by extremely heavy automatic and small-arms fire coming from a house to the front, Mortar and tank artillery shells pounded the unit, when Technical Sergeant Snoad and a comrade, on their own initiative, moved forward into a hail of bullets to eliminate the ever-increasing fire from the German position. Crawling ahead to close with what they knew was a powerfully armed, vastly superior force, the pair reached the house and took up assault positions, While Technical Sergeant Snoad fired to cover him, his companion rushed the door, threw a pair of hand grenades, and then entered while firing his Tommy Gun, killing twenty of the enemy before he withdrew. A blast of fire killed Technical Sergeant Snoad and his companion, who then dashed back into the house, killing fifteen more of the enemy. Technical Sergeant Snoad’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2nd Battalion

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1944

    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 117 (April 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Russell Newman Snoad (ASN: 31018801), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Petit-Coo, Belgium, on 23 December 1944. When is company was pinned down by an extremely heavy hail of enemy fire coming from a house held by the enemy, Technical Sergeant Snoad and a comrade, displaying complete disregard for personal safety, volunteered to go through the intense fire and take the strongpoint. Technical Sergeant Snoad boldly made his way, in full view of the enemy, across the street from the house where he could cover his comrade’s advance. After twenty of the enemy were killed, a burst of fire wounded his comrade and killed Sergeant Snoad. Technical Sergeant Snoad’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.