California, and served on the Carlsbad Planning Commission and as a member of the board of directors of the MiraCosta College Foundation. He also assisted in the establishment of the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, in 1965. Following the death of his wife, Minnie Johnson Douthit on August 14, 1979, Snedeker then married Vestena N. Burns on April 5, 1986. Snedeker died on May 5, 1995, at his home in Carlsbad, California. He is buried at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, San Diego. He had four daughters from his first marriage. Decorations Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Edward W. Snedeker: Navy Cross citation Citation: 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. Silver Star citation Citation: The 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