The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Lewis Levi Snider (NSN: 0-72522), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SELFRIDGE (DD-357), operating as part of the Screen for a formation of fast battleships of Task Force FIFTY-EIGHT, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 19 – 20 June 1944. When overwhelming forces of Japanese torpedo bombers maneuvered in over the area and launched their devastating strikes, Commander Snider skillfully maneuvered to meet the onrushing enemy and, hurling the full fighting power of his ship against the attackers, succeeded in breaking up the aerial formations before they could penetrate to our major Fleet units. His inspiring leadership, expert ship handling and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds were essential factors in the excellent coverage provided his Task Force throughout this decisive engagement, and reflect the highest credit upon Commander Snider, the gallant SELFRIDGE and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
United States DestroyerAction Date:
July 5 & 6, 1943
Commander South Pacific: Serial 001831 (September 13, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Lewis Levi Snider (NSN: 0-72522), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as the Executive Officer aboard a United States Destroyer in the engagement with Japanese naval forces off Kula Gulf, British Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 and 6 July 1943. Lieutenant Commander Snider, as Navigator and Control Information Center Evaluator supplied gun control and torpedo control with such complete and accurate information that it resulted in the destruction of three enemy destroyers and one light cruiser and the damaging of an enemy destroyer. His expert and timely advice kept the Commanding Officer informed of the location of both enemy and our own forces thereby being responsible for keeping the ship in a position to attack the enemy. In addition, as Executive Officer, he directed the rescue of nearly three hundred survivors of a torpedoed cruiser while his ship was being subjected to repeated attacks by the enemy cruiser and two destroyers. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.