Edward A. Snidarich
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Edward Snidarich entered the Army on August 14, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Home at entry: Eveleth, Minnesota.
He served as a Private First Class and rifleman with Company L of the 362nd Infantry Regtiment of the 91st “Powder River” Infantry Division of the Fifth Army in the Rome-Arno, Northern Apennines, and Po Valley, Italian Campaign.
He was awarded a the Bronze Star Medal. The citation reads: “During an attack, Snidarich’s platoon was held up by machine gun fire from an enemy-held building. With a bazooka, Snidarich left a covered position and exposed himself to enemy fire in order to fire effectively. He scored a direct hit on the building with his first round, momentarily silencing the German fire. His comrades immediately stormed the building, killing or capturing the entire enemy force.”
He was wounded in action by shrapnel on August 12, 1944.
Mr. Snidarich was awarded the following: Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, and two overseas service bars.
He was honorably discharged on November 8, 1945 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 301.
