Posted: | January 6, 2022 09:10 AM |
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From: | Representative Tommy Sankey |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Corporal Cecil J. Snyder Bridge Designation |
In the near future I intend to introduce legislation honoring the life and brave sacrifice of Corporal Cecil J. Snyder by designating a bridge in Clearfield County in his name. Cpl. Snyder was born in Lyleville outside of Coalport, Clearfield County. In May of 1939 Cpl. Snyder enlisted in the US Army Air Corp. where he received specialized training as a technician. At the outbreak of World War II, Cpl. Snyder served in the Pacific Theater, defending the Philippine Islands. Sadly, Cpl. Synder and many of his fellow soldiers were taken prisoner by the Japanese when their base was captured. Cpl. Snyder was taken to Palawan Prison Camp where he and other prisoners were forced to work as slave labor building an airfield for the Japanese. Then, on December 14, 1944 fearing the capture of the island by the advancing Allies, the Japanese High Command ordered all the prisoners to be killed. Cpl. Snyder and 144 soldiers were killed in what is now known as the Palawan Massacre. Cpl. Snyder’s remains were repatriated to the U.S. and interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri in February 1952. He is also memorialized at his family plot in Lyleville Cemetery. Cpl. Snyder received many commendations for his service including the Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. Please join me in supporting this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB2246