WASHINGTON -- A Navy Cross recipient was inducted Nov. 3 in the Hampden-Sydney College Athletic Hall of Fame during a luncheon ceremony in the Kirby Fieldhouse in Hampden-Sydney, Va.
Steve F. Snyder became apart of the 20th class to the Hall of Fame with two Hampden-Sydney College football stars and a former professor.
The Hall of Fame is designed to honor men who have made outstanding contributions to Hampden-Sydney athletics and have helped bring recognition, honor, excellence and distinction to the college and its intercollegiate athletics program, said Thomas Shomo, director of public relations.
Snyder, who graduated in 1965, played on the Hampden-Sydney basketball team all four years. During his senior season, he was selected as a co-captain, averaged 13.3 points-per-game, was awarded the sportsmanship award, and made honorable mention on the Mason-Dixon team.
Friends of Snyder are also raising $500,000 to name the basketball floor in Gammon Gymnasium in his honor.
Snyder was regarded by his teammates for his diligent work ethic, and a spirited team captain.
“The thing you could say about Steve was that he gave 125 percent of himself,” said Bill Pegram, Snyder’s head basketball coach.
Snyder also displayed these characteristics on the battlefield in Vietnam.
In August 1966, 2nd Lt. Snyder was serving as platoon commander with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced). He volunteered his unit to rescue a trapped platoon. Despite heavy enemy fire in the chaotic jungle, Snyder and his men evacuated two wounded Marines and fought off an attack on the remaining trapped men. While leading a counterattack, Snyder was killed.
Snyder was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during that mission.
“There has never been a more courageous platoon leader or better human being,” said Phillip L. Hickman, a member of Snyder’s platoon.