Letters From War Wednesday: World War II – Cliff Snyder
June 15, 2011
Posted in 38th Infantry Division, Cliff Snyder, Everytown USA, Letters From War Wednesdays (LFWW), Philip Snyder, World War II, Zig Zag Pass
Tags: 38th Infantry Division, Cliff Snyder, Everytown USA, Letters From War Wednesdays (LFWW), World War II, Zig Zag Pass
When we think of letters from war, we envision notes from a soldier, home to his family. But there are also letters, typically from the U.S. War Department, that bear the most awful news, that of a soldier’s, sailor’s or airman’s death. Notes of a more personal nature, from those who served with the recently deceased, sometimes follow.
Sgt. Cliff Snyder
Sergeant Cliff Snyder served with the 38th Infantry Division in the Philippines during World War II. Cliff’s brother, Phil Snyder, was killed in action in September 1944 in Northern Europe. Just five months later, Cliff too died fighting. He was killed at the Battle of Zig Zag Pass on the island of Luzon.
Cliff’s Company Commander, Captain Wayne T. Sandefur, followed the tragic event with a personalized note home to Snyder’s now-widowed wife, Louise.
“I wish to extend my deepest and sincerest sympathy to you for the loss of your husband, Clifford. I know that words can express so little, and they cannot begin to fill the emptiness his death has left in your heart.
“Your feelings are strongly shared by every officer and man of this company. I feel that I am safe in saying that there was not a man in the company more generally liked for his personable qualities or more genuinely respected for his leadership and ability than Cliff. He was as clean living as any young man I have ever seen and represented the very highest in American manhood.
Cliff Snyder - 38th Infantry Div.
“Perhaps it will be of consolation to you to know that Clifford’s actions throughout the campaign were a great source of inspiration to all of us. He had taken command of the platoon when his platoon leader became a casualty. He led the platoon with a courage and leadership that won him my undying admiration. A week before his death, he had distinguished himself by aiding in the evacuation of a seriously wounded man of his platoon. This he did in the face of heavy fire without regard for his own safety. On the basis of his performance and record, I had recommended him for a battlefield promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. Cliff knew this, but it is most unfortunate that his untimely death prevented that promotion.
“Clifford died on February 13 towards the end of a furious battle in Zig Zag Pass, Luzon. The action of his platoon on February 6 played a great part toward taking a heavily fortified Japanese held ridge which we believe was the beginning of the end of Jap resistance in Zig Zag Pass. On the day of February 13, the company was in the attack with Cliff’s platoon on the right of the company sector. We soon hit enemy resistance on our right. His platoon eliminated one position with Cliff himself playing an active part. He worked his way up to the embrasure of the fortification. And placed a grenade inside. All but three of the occupants were killed, and those surrendered. We were fired upon almost immediately from another position, and it was while we were trying to eliminate this position that he was fatally hit. He called out once but lost consciousness immediately and
Sergeant Cliff Snyder's original grave site at American Military Cemetery No. 2 - Olongapo, Philippines. Note Snyder's dog tag attached to the top of the wooden cross. (Photos Courtesy William Souder)
died within a few minutes. There was an aid man trained in the treatment of wounded with him almost at the instant he was hit, and he assured me that there was no suffering. The company went ahead and knocked out the position and the Japanese soldier, who killed Clifford, paid for it with his own life.
“…I know that the greater loss is yours, but we of the company have suffered a loss too. We have lost a friend and comrade and courageous leader. We share in your grief and offer our sincerest condolences.”
“Cliff was one of my best buddies,” his platoon mate, Clarence De Turk said. “We went through all that, and there he gets killed on the last day of battle. You couldn’t find a nicer fellow than Cliff, and Phil too, for that matter. They were wonderful people.”
Could you tell me what company and Battalion Mr. Snyder served with? I have an old friend who fought at zig zag pass and he would be greatly interested. Thanks, Pat
Hi Pat,
Cliff Snyder served with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division. Hope this helps. Which unit was your friend in?
Thank you, Mr. McCoy. I was overwhelmed upon reading this “letter from war”, authored by my father, Captain Wayne Sandefur, Sergeant Snyder’s commanding officer. Dad was one of the fortunate brave soldiers who returned home to his wife, unlike Sgt Snyder and his brother, Phil. Dad was awarded two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his actions at Zig Zag Pass. Upon returning home, Dad enlisted in the Army Reserves and retired with the rank of Colonel. He died in 2003 at the age of 89. This letter is so typically Dad; kind, gentle, sympathetic and sincere. He really didn’t want to talk about his war experiences, so most of what I have learned is through my own research, so I thank you for sharing this story. And thanks to the Snyder family for giving America these two “Greatest Generation” heroes.
I love reading info on the 38th division, my Grandfather was in the 38th 152nd I company. Sgt Arthur p. Rudy.
Hi Tom. Is your grandfather still living?
Hi Ginny, Sorry its been so long…Art passed away in 2010, He was one hell of a man, He worked until the age of 81, He was a 2nd Generation Plasterer, and Plastering contractor. Now I am the 4th Generation carrying on our trade. Please visit Rudy’s Plaster Masters on Facebook, its my sight, you will see pics and a video of him there. I also have cps that were made of him telling his war stories, from the year 2000. Awesome stuff.
He always had great regard for his buddy Sgt. Simmons, they saved each other on different occasions during combat.
Thank you for posting these letters. My great uncle Melvin (Bud) Merritt served in the 38th ID, 152nd, H Co. during the war. My mother explained that when she was growing up that my great grandmother would always tell the grand kids never to talk to Uncle Bud about the war. He had nightmares about his time fighting at Zig Zag Pass. He passed away in 2009, and I am trying to find more information about his experiences. Thanks again.