Lawrence F. Snowden

Lawrence Fontaine Snowden (April 14, 1921 – February 18, 2017) was a lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps. In 1995, he founded the annual Reunion of Honor, a program honoring those who lost their lives on both sides of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Early life and education Lawrence F. Snowden was born April 14, 1921, in Charlottesville, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. He also earned a master's degree in Personnel Administration from Northwestern University in 1950.

Career Snowden enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in February 1942. He was called to active duty that May, attended Officer Candidates School and was commissioned a second lieutenant on July 18, 1942. He was promoted to first lieutenant in March 1943 and to captain in October 1944.

From February 1944 until March 1945, Snowden was a company commander with the 23rd Marines during the capture of Roi-Namur during the Battle of Kwajalein, the capture of Saipan and the capture of Tinian. During the assault on Iwo Jima, During the battle, he was wounded and medically evacuated. In May 1945, he joined the 3rd Marine Division on Guam, serving with the 3rd Marine and 9th Marine Regiments until December 1945.

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: