James L. Snyder’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

James L. Snyder

Yeoman First Class, U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James L. Snyder, Yeoman First Class, U.S. Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. As phone-talker on the navigation bridge of the U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), Yeoman First Class Snyder remained on the navigation bridge until forced by fire to leap to safety to the bridge below. Thence he went to an antiaircraft gun ammunition ready box and despite the fact that the heat was exploding other similar boxes, he removed all the ammunition thereby saving lives and assuring continuance of the gun’s operation. The conduct of Yeoman First Class Snyder throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.