The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert Alvin Snyder (MCSN: 2288004), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 September 1967, while participating in a platoon size patrol in Quang Nam Province, Corporal Snyder’s squad came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated platoon of Viet Cong. Reacting instantly, Corporal Snyder deployed his squad and established a base of fire. Observing an enemy fortification delivering a heavy volume of fire and inflicting numerous friendly casualties, Corporal Snyder, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile fire and aggressively attacked the enemy emplacement. Knocked to the ground by an explosion, he quickly regained his feet and continued his attack, destroying the position and killing the two occupants with a hand grenade. Throughout the engagement, Corporal Snyder continued to maneuver across the fire-swept terrain from one position to another, directing fire against the enemy force. His bold initiative and calm presence of mind in the face of extreme personal danger were instrumental in inflicting heavy losses on the Viet Cong and undoubtedly saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty, Corporal Snyder contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.