Ernest M. Snowden

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ernest M. Snowden, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron SEVENTY-TWO (VS-72), embarked from the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 7 and 8 August 1942. Lieutenant Commander Snowden led his scouting squadron in three dive-bombing attacks against hostile position on the Solomon Islands, and silenced the fire of an enemy battery opposing the approach of our landing boats, thereby contributing greatly to the seizure of the islands. Later, while engaged in single combat, he successfully out-maneuvered and shot down a Japanese seaplane fighter. Lieutenant Commander Snowden’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)