J. Edward Snyder

Rear Adm. J. Edward Snyder, USN (Ret.) (October 23, 1924 – November 4, 2007) was notable as the captain of the battleship USS New Jersey during that ship's deployment to the Vietnam War in 1968. Considered by those serving on the New Jersey to be a "sailor's captain," Captain Snyder was able to motivate his men through his more relaxed shipboard policies.

Snyder also sought to cultivate a wider sense of mission. He brought ground troops aboard the New Jersey for weekend liberty, earning the ship the nickname "The New Jersey Hilton." Told to stop the "unauthorized public relations stunt" by DoD, Snyder sternly responded, noting that he had notified the Pentagon, and that it was no stunt. Instead, it was meant to give the ground troops a respite from the war, and remind his men why they were providing gunfire support. He finished his message by disparaging the Pentagon as "Disneyland East," and stating that he had no idea what was going on there, but couldn't care less.

Awards and decorations

Legion of Meritwith 3 starsMeritorious Service MedalNavy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medalwith "V" deviceCombat Action RibbonNavy Unit CommendationAmerican Defense Service MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medalwith 4 starsWorld War 2 Victory MedalNavy Occupation Service MedalNational Defense Service Medalwith 1 starKorean Service MedalArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service Medalwith 2 starsPresidential Unit Citation(Philippines)Vietnam Gallantry Crosswith Palm and FramePhilippine Liberation Medalwith 2 starsVietnam Distinguished Service OrderVietnam Campaign Medalwith 60- deviceCommand at Sea Insignia worn on right breast pocket