The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel Edward Walter Snedeker (MCSN: 0-4082), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 2 to 22 June 1945. Following a period of sixty-two days of continuous fighting against a determined enemy, Colonel Snedeker assumed responsibility for a zone of action previously assigned two assault regiments. Skillfully maneuvering his forces to pass through these elements, he launched an aggressive assault on the enemy and, in a series of rapid advances, let his unit forward until it reached the sea, thereby splitting Japanese forces strongly entrenched on Oroku Peninsula. Completing this mission, he immediately directed his Regiment against the final enemy defensive position on Kunishi Ridge. When repeated daylight assaults to overrun the stronghold were halted by fierce hostile resistance and difficult terrain, Colonel Snedeker personally undertook an aerial reconnaissance of the area. Thereafter, he planned and executed a daring attack by night and, taking the enemy by surprise, succeeded in penetrating the hostile defenses and effecting subsequent total destruction of organized resistance. By his courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Colonel Snedeker contributed materially to the success of his Regiment in winning the bitter fight for Southern Okinawa. His leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
October 13, 1942
Commander South Pacific Force and Area: Serial 927The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Walter Snedeker (MCSN: 0-4082), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while acting as Division Signal Officer, FIRST Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force at Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, on the night of 13 October 1942. When the opening salvos of gunfire from hostile warships interrupted all wire circuits on the division switchboard, Lieutenant Colonel Snedeker, realizing that the security of our beachhead was threatened by the probability of a land attack, personally took charge of a wire repair crew. With utter disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself during more than one hour of intensive naval bombardment in an effort to restore communications. His heroic conduct, employed at great risk in the face of grave danger, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
August 2 – September 6, 1950
Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 7376 (December 15, 1950)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Edward Walter Snedeker (MCSN: 0-4082), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the First Provisional Marine Brigade prior to and during combat in Korea from 2 August to 6 September 1950. Assuming control of a newly organized Brigade Staff, Colonel Snedeker discharged his responsibilities wisely and with astute attention to detail, effectively coordinating the various staff members into a smoothly functioning team. A capable and inspiring executive, resourceful and persevering in maintaining excellent combat command posts, Colonel Snedeker was directly instrumental in developing and sustaining the efficient operations of the Brigade Headquarters. By frequent and aggressive reconnaissance of the front line areas which often brought him under heavy enemy fire, he obtained first hand information of great value in planning operations, thereby contributing greatly to the success achieved by the First Provisional Marine Brigade during the action in Korea. His skilled service and exemplary conduct throughout the period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Snedeker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
December 5, 1950 – April 26, 1951
Commanding General 1st Marine Division: Serial 38959 (December 21, 1952)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Edward Walter Snedeker (MCSN: 0-4082), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff and later as Chief of Staff of the FIRST Marine Division during operations against the enemy in Korea from 5 December 1950 to 26 April 1951. Colonel Snedeker exhibited outstanding professional skill, judgment and devotion to duty during the breakout from the Chosin Reservoir area. He was assigned the task of coordinating the movements of the Division over a thirty-five mile trip through extremely hazardous terrain and numerous enemy ambushes. Although working under conditions which required extreme haste and with inadequate personnel and materiel, his outstanding foresight and planning enabled the entire unit to make the difficult move in less than forty hours and at the same time liquidate an enemy attempt to ambush the column. Later as Chief of Staff, his untiring efforts and initiative contributed materially to the success of the unit in suppressing guerilla activities and also in making along and difficult administrative move. In addition, he aided immeasurably in directing the operations of the Division through a sustained attack which covered eighty miles in a period of two months and a successful repulse of a large scale enemy counter-offensive. Colonel Snedeker’s outstanding ability and exemplary conduct were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Snedeker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
September 15 – October 24, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Edward Walter Snedeker (MCSN: 0-4082), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff of the FIRST Marine Division, while engaged in combat operations in Korea during the period 15 September to 24 October 1950. Colonel Snedeker discharged his responsibilities wisely and with meticulous attention to detail, effectively assisting in coordinating the various staff members into a smoothly functioning team. A capable and inspiring executive, resourceful and persevering in assisting to maintain excellent combat posts, Colonel Snedeker was directly instrumental in developing and sustaining the efficient operation of Division Headquarters, thereby contributing essentially to the success achieved by the FIRST Marine Division. His skilled service and exemplary conduct throughout this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Snedeker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)