Stephen Francis Snyder – Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps

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Full Name: STEPHEN FRANCIS SNYDER

Date of Birth: 3/3/1943
Date of Casualty: 8/24/1966
Home of Record: SUNBURY, PENNSYLVANIA
Branch of Service: MARINE CORPS
Rank: 2LT
Casualty Country: SOUTH VIETNAM
Casualty Province: QUANG TRI

SNYDER, STEPHEN FRANCIS
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company F, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforces) FMF
Date of Action: August 23 – 24, 1966

Citation

The Navy Cross is presented to Stephen Francis Snyder, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Commander, Third Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Thon Son Lam area, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 and 24 August 1966.

Volunteering to attempt to relieve a trapped platoon, Second Lieutenant Snyder unhesitatingly led his platoon in a daring night march through unfamiliar, dense, enemy-infested jungle terrain. Upon arrival at the besieged platoon’s position, he fearlessly took a small group into the trap to assist in evacuating wounded from the enemy-dominated location. Though met with a deadly hail of enemy grenades and small-arms fire, he managed to direct the evacuation of two wounded under the cover of darkness. For the next two hours, with complete disregard for his own safety, he selflessly exposed himself to intense fire while he directed suppressive fires which delayed the enemy assault. When the North Vietnamese finally attacked at dawn, Second Lieutenant Snyder heroically led his platoon in a determined counterattack in an effort to protect the trapped men.

Undeterred by the murderous enemy grenade barrages and automatic weapons and sniper fire, he courageously led his men forward until he was mortally wounded. Second Lieutenant Snyder’s stirring example, exceptional leadership, and marked courage were the determining factor in breaking the enemy assault and saved the lives of the trapped Marines. His great personal valor reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

SNYDER, STEPHEN F

  • 2LT. USMC
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 03/03/1943
  • DATE OF DEATH: 08/24/1966
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 1  SITE 1886
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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