Silver Star presented to Army SPC. Snow

  • Published
  • By Rob Bardua
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio --  Military and government officials joined a crowd of more than 1,000 people to pay tribute to a fallen soldier as the Silver Star Award was posthumously presented to Army Specialist Jesse Adam Snow of the 101st Airborne Division at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force today.

The Silver Star Award is the nation's third-highest decoration for valor in the face of the enemy.

According to the narrative accompanying the award, insurgents attacked the command post of Snow's platoon with several rocket propelled grenades in a battle during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM on Nov. 14, 2010.

Snow's weapon system was immediately destroyed. Without a weapon and with disregard for his own personal safety, Snow assisted the wounded by performing life-saving first aid. At the same time, he spotted targets for the machine gun team and secured more ammunition for them when they were running low.

As the fire fight became more intense, Snow continued to assist those who were injured. At one point Snow even used his own body to shield another soldier from incoming machine gun fire.

Eventually Snow was fatally wounded. However, his courageous and selfless actions that day saved the lives of three fellow brothers in arms and solely denied the enemy the ability to capture any American soldiers in the battle.

Army Major General James C. McConville, Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) based in Fort Campbell, Ky., presented the award to Snow's family and commended Snow for his bravery.

"Specialist Jesse Snow is a true American hero," said McConville. "He volunteered to serve as a soldier in the storied 101st Airborne Division and demonstrated true valor when his platoon was attacked and came under fire in the Watapur Valley of Afghanistan. I offer my sincere condolences to the Snow family for the loss they have suffered and the sacrifice they have borne."

Although the sacrifice has been a great burden for the Snow family, receiving the award - though bittersweet - is a tremendous honor, and they'll never forget the lessons that Jesse taught them, said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) John Snow Sr., Jesse's father.

"Jesse was the most loving and caring son and accomplished more in 25 years than most people accomplish in a lifetime," John Sr. said. "He showed us the true meaning of love of God, love of family and love of country, and the Silver Star Award validates once again who Jesse really was - totally unselfish and willing to sacrifice himself for anyone in need."

Ohio Governor John Kasich was also on-hand at the ceremony to pay tribute to Snow, who was a native of Fairborn, Ohio. Kasich credited his parents with doing an amazing job of raising their son and said Jesse's story is one that everyone needs to hear.

"We have to tell kids all over Ohio and America what he did because it is an unbelievable act of faith, courage, friendship, and teamwork," said Kasich. "Thanks, Jesse, for what you did."

In addition, Congressmen Michael Turner and Steve Austria, and Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted also made presentations to the Snow family, which includes Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) John W. Snow Sr., his wife Janice, brothers: Ohio Air National Guard Master Sgt. John W. Snow Jr.; former Navy Seaman Daniel J. Snow; U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Alex M. Snow; Robert A. Snow; and sister Megan C. Lingerfelt.

As the ceremony came to a conclusion, John Sr. reflected back on an email that he had sent to his family dated May 14, 2010 - six months to the day before Jesse was killed - which read "Mark my words, Jesse will end up doing something very special while he's there," and he had one last message for his son.

"We are so proud of you, Jesse - this medal belongs to you, you earned it!"

In addition to the Silver Star Award, Jesse's other awards and decorations also include the: Marksman and Combat Infantry badges; Army Service Ribbon; Army Good Conduct, Afghanistan Campaign, Global War on Terrorism Service, National Defense Service, NATO and Army Commendation Medals; and the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.