on May 21, 1977, and served in that capacity until his retirement on May 31, 1979. For his service at HQMC, he was awarded a second Distinguished Service Medal. In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Snowden founded the annual Reunion of Honor, a program honoring the sacrifices veterans from both sides made during the battle. The ceremony is held annually in both Japan and the United States. Honors and awards His military decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal with gold star, Legion of Merit with 'V' for Valor device and four gold stars, Purple Heart with one gold star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Second Order of the Sacred Treasure. In 1974, Snowden was recognized with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America. Snowden had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1937. In 2015, he was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. In March 2016, Snowden was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award. The awards were presented to him by then Commandant of the Marine Corps Robert Neller. In 2016, he published his memoir, Snowden's Story: One Marine's Indebtedness to the Corps, recounting important events in his life that developed his character and philosophy. In January 2017, Snowden was named the Tallahassee Democrats annual "Person of the Year" for 2016. In April 2017, his memorial service was attended by United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis, as well as the commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller, who presented the traditional folded flag to Snowden's family members in attendance. Decorations Below is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Snowden: References External links 1921 births 2017 deaths People from Charlottesville, Virginia University of Virginia alumni Harvard Business School alumni Northwestern University alumni Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy alumni United States Marine Corps generals United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II United States Marine Corps personnel of the Korean War United States Marine Corps personnel of the Vietnam War Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal Recipients of the Legion of Merit Recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam) Recipients of the Order of the Sacred Treasure American expatriates in Japan