Melvin C. Snyder

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on October 19, 2005:

Melvin Claude Snyder, Jr. Born October 16, 1928 - Died October 17,2005 Melvin Claude "Mel" Snyder, Jr. was born in Kingwood, West Virginia on 16 October 1928 and was appointed to West Point on a Senatorial appointment. His West Point classmates recall: "No party, no bridge session, no bull-session was complete without Mel, whose filibustering and organizing abilities earned him the title of 'Senator.' He was also a sports enthusiast, ever ready to develop athletic talents in the hills of West Virginia. Taking each day's problems in stride, Mel asked nothing save a short siesta. M-2's flankers will miss the versatile 'Senator.'" During his cadet days Mel was with the Fishing Club yearling, cow, and first class years; with the Model Railroad Club yearling year; on the Duty Committee cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Mel went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to Indiantown Gap where he served from 1951 to 1952. His next assignment was to the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division in Korea where he served during the latter part of 1952 and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal (valor) for distinguished heroism against an enemy; the Commendation Medal (valor) for distinguished service; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. From 1953 to 1957 Mel was assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 1962 Mel earned a Master of Science degree in Physics from Tulane University and was then assigned to Field Command, Defense Atomic Support Agency, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico where he served until 1965. In 1966 Mel attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion reported to Headquarters, 8th Army in Korea where he served until 1967. Next Mel was assigned to Office, Chief of Research & Development and served there until 1969 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non?combat situation. In 1969 Mel received orders to United States Army Reserve Vietnam and served until 1970 and was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight; a second Bronze Star Medal (valor) for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 10 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; a second Commendation Medal (valor) for distinguished service; and a second Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1973 Mel retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and after 22 years went back to school and in 1976 earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of West Virginia. Mel practiced law in Kingwood, West Virginia, where he and his wife Ann made their home. In 1994 Mel retired for a second time. Mel passed away on October 17, 2005.

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