The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert E. Snively (MCSN: 977665), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner in a Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 10 May 1945. When the platoon with which he was serving became immobilized by intense enemy fire, Private First Class Snively repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy fire to maintain contact with adjacent platoons, thereby enabling his company to withdraw safely to a less exposed position. During the withdrawal, he aided in evacuating the wounded and, upon learning that a Marine casualty still remained under hostile fire, volunteered to return. Fearlessly, he again exposed himself to heavy machine gun and rifle fire and succeeded in rescuing his wounded comrade. Private First Class Snively’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.