The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Shelby Snowden (ASN: 35677256), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Sixth Company, Second Regiment, 1st Special Service Force, in action against the enemy at Villeneuve-Loubet, France, on the morning of 26 August 1944. When placed in the tower of a building occupying a commanding position, for the purpose of observing and firing upon targets of opportunity, Sergeant Snowden remained at his post despite heavy concentrations of enemy fire on the structure and a direct hit on the tower. While in the tower he continually disregarded the hail of enemy fire striking all around him and so effectively employed the fire of his Johnson Automatic Rifle as to force the abandonment by the enemy of an artillery piece. By this action Sergeant Snowden made possible the movement into position of supporting troops with a minimum of casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.