The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Nugent Snider (MCSN: 0-11742), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot and Flight Leader in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Japanese Homeland on 18 March 1945. Courageous in the face of hostile antiaircraft fire during a fighter sweep in this area, Captain Snider boldly led his ten-plane flight in carrying out a damaging rocket and strafing attack against Kumamoto Aircraft Plant at Kyushu and, when an overwhelming force of enemy aircraft attacked his group during the return to base, promptly engaged and shot down three of the thirteen fighters destroyed before returning his flight safe to base. By his superb skill as an airman, leadership and devotion to duty, Captain Snider contributed to the success of the mission, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.