I am a high school friend of Col. Snelling's son, Kelly.  I would like to get in contact with my friend Kelly, but have been unable to find a method to do that.  I'm hopeful that this note could be passed to Kelly, who may be living in Woodstock GA.  I am John Metzger (Fallbrook HS class of '76) email: jmetzger842@gmail.com and I am on Facebook.  Thank you!

Thinking about you today Col. Snelling.
You were an outstanding Marine but a better Man!
RIP
Billy Stalvey

Remembering my dear friend today. He was the best possible example - the kindest man imaginable. I will always count my blessings to know him, and to look up to him.

Leif Halverson 

Remembering my Friend on this Day, a true American USMC Marine Hero
We had so much fun playing golf, talking sports and miss those days!!
Billy Stalvey

Remembering the Colonel on this Day.
He made the World better and safer and is missed!
USMC#ColSnelling
RIP
Bill Stalvey

Just called Sue to let her know that I was think of you and her(Kelly
also).
Know you are Missed.

Remembering this Fine Marine on this Day.
Miss you Colonel and am grateful for all the times we spent together playing golf, talking football.
Billy Stalvey

Col Snelling touched the lives of so many Marines and Sailors.  His leadership made me a better Marine.  He is missed by all who knew him.
Denny Hilton, 3D Bn 26th Marines
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Remembering this Great Marine on this Day!
Love,
Bill Stalvey

I worked for Colonel Snelling while a young corporal assigned to Marine Barracks, Subic Bay, RP, July 1973 to July 1974.  I saw him almost daily and he was absolutely the epitome of a great leader and Marine officer.  We had stellar officers at Marine Barracks, including our XO, LTCOL Harold V. Huston, and our company officers and SNCOs, most of whom were also legends.  We loved, respected, and revered COL Snelling.  He was a competent, efficient, and quiet professional.  I never heard him raise his voice - He did not have to.  We all wanted to do whatever he asked us to do.  COL Snelling was very humble.  I am an amateur military historian and at a time when the USMC gave very few decorations, he was the most decorated officer I ever saw.  I only saw him wear his personal decorations and his USMC jump wings, probably because he had too many ribbons.  His exploits to earn the Navy Cross as a young lieutenant at Chosin Reservoir are legendary.  I was saddened to hear of COL Snelling's death because there probably wasn't a day I did not think of him and the other fine officers and NCOs I served with at MarBks, Subic Bay.  He was without a doubt one of a few leaders and men I knew in my life that was "head and shoulders" above all others.  Although my accomplishments pale in comparison, former Marines like me, with modest achievements in life, are better citizens, better men, greater leaders, and better people because we knew and were strongly influenced by great Marines and awesome leaders like Colonel E.W. Snelling.  I feel like I have lost an immediate family member because I have loved and respected COL Snelling since the first day I met him on a hot, humid, day in July 1973.  He is gone but he will never be forgotten.  America has lost one of its greatest heroes with his passing.   Semper Fi, Sir....Thank you for what you did for me, the Marine Corps, and for this nation.  Sheriff-Coroner Jon E. Lopey, Siskiyou County, CA (Former Sergeant, USMC, COL, USA, Ret)

COL SNELLING WAS MY CO WHEN I WAS STATIONED AT MARINE BARRACKS NAD CHARLESTON  SC.  

HE LOVED TO PLAY VOLLEY BALL AND Was into physical fitness.  He will surely be missed.

I was saddened to recently learn of Colonel Snelling’s passing. In the early 70s he was  Commanding Officer Of Marine Barracks, Philippines. He pinned on my railroad tracks and assigned me to command the one of his three guard companies located 25 miles from Barracks HQ. At age 50, he would drive the 25 miles to San Miguel and run 0600 PT with us once a week. I could parrot all the wonderful things said of him here because that’s the sort of respect and admiration I, too, feel for Colonel Snelling. I knew many fine Marine officers in my 23 years in the Corps, but the Colonel stood amongst the elite in my book. I’m comforted to know he got to enjoy 40 years of retirement.

Rest in peace and Semper Fidelis,
R.D. Herring, Maj, USMC (ret)

Today is Ed Snelling’s birthday.  Normally this day would be marked with a family celebration, but with little fanfare since Ed, ever humble, wouldn’t want that.  I think back on all the good wishes we delivered in person, or phoned in, and wish I could do it again today.  

It’s pretty easy to identify the people who have made a lasting impact on our lives, those few very special people who become chosen family, essential threads in the fabric of our lives.  Ed and Sue Snelling are at the top of our family’s list.  From the countless visits, meals, conversations, and trips shared over more than thirty years, we have been greatly blessed. Whenever there was call for a celebration, or a challenge to be met, they were always there.  I can never thank them enough for their generous love and support and many wonderful memories.  

Since our dear friend is no longer here with us, there is now a gaping hole where once stood a man of such sterling character that he became the bar by which my son challenges himself and measures his success today.  Ed showed us all how to be kind, generous, and to do the right thing.  For Ed, the right thing to do, however difficult, remained simply what must be done, whether on the field of battle or of life.  For Ed that meant, among other things, volunteering at the hospital, staying in touch with friends and making time to visit them when they were sick or struggling, lighting the way for a child, or helping friends with a difficult move to a new home. If each of us has had the privilege of knowing even one such person, we are greatly blessed.  I miss Ed every day, but am consoled by the knowledge that his spirit lives on in each of us who love him, and that he is now enjoying eternal love and peace.  

We love and miss you, Ed, and always will.
Elyse Halverson Arnett


Ed Snelling was, and is, my best friend and second father.  Through the 33 years I have been on this Earth, he has been my constant companion. He is my Godfather, a Marine Corps brother, and the finest role model I could ask for.
As a boy, my favorite activity in the whole world was to spend time with "The Colonel." We would play golf together, made hundreds of trips to Waffle House, and talked about Georgia football and the Braves. When my parents divorced when I was ten, it was The Colonel who filled the role of everyday father. He taught me courtesy, humility, and duty. He taught me to be proud of who I was and where I came from and never failed to tell me how proud he was of who I was becoming.
As I became an adult and left Georgia for university in New York, the restaurant business in Arizona, and the Marine Corps worldwide, he was always just a phone call away. Our conversations were simple and brief: "how are you? How's your PT? Met any girls lately? Ok, great to talk to you, Semper Fi."  I could tell he genuinely cared and saw me as his own.  Trips to see him and Mrs. Sue were always a highlight of visits back home. 
He was instrumental in helping me make life choices and in developing my character. I am a Marine today because of his example. I strive to be truthful, empathetic, direct, and selfless because of him. I ask myself often, "am I acting in a way that would make The Colonel proud?" I would like to believe that I am.
In the end, that is his greatest legacy to me: not only as a true patriot, loving father, and dutiful warrior - but as the brightest shining example of character I have ever met. I love him, I miss him, and I will do my damnedest to follow the example that he set.  

I met this incredible man in 1982 at the Omni International hotel. He was so different; He was the epitome of what A United States Marine should look like. His discipline was like none other. He exercised every day and he always offered the most solid advice. I never heard him curse in front of me and we played numerous rounds of golf; always going by and treating people by the Marine Core values. He will never be forgotten!! Col. Snelling was my direct supervisor at two different jobs, he assisted me getting into Law Enforcement, and I am so fortunate to call this Man, my friend. Why this Marine was not Commadant of USMC is beyond me. Behind every great man, is an incredible woman. God bless Sue and her son. 
Col. Ed Snelling, what a service to this country, what a hero, and more importantly, what a Great Man. Will always love you Colonel.
Bill Stalvey

Met the Col in 2007,from then on we became good friends. Would speak on the phone about once a week. When we would all get together for our mini-reunions,he brought a smile that could lighten up a room.Always concerned about you and your family.We lost a wonderful comrade. The Three Amigo's are together again (Ed,Duane and Ron). 
Condolences to his wife Sue and son Kelley.

Colonel Snelling was an exceptional Marine officer who served with great distinction and a true southern gentleman with all the good that the word implies.  I will miss him and I know we will all be a little poorer without him in our community and our lives.
Semper Fidelis and God speed Colonel!

My tour in South Vietnam as tank platoon commander of BLT 3/26, later redesignated 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines (Reinforced), began immediately before then-Lt. Col. Snelling assumed command of the battalion and ended only weeks after he left it. It was my great privilege to serve under this wonderful, supportive combat leader and wonderful man,  and to have been with him a number times in the past 12 years, most recently in 2013. 

Colonel Snelling was a personally modest, genteel officer, professionally demanding but always concerned with the welfare and morale of his Marines and, in the ensuing years, our welfare and that of our families. At a dinner in 2007 he turned my question into the circumstances of his receiving the Navy Cross by saying "Well, we can talk about that sometime, Kent, but how  are your boys?"

Colonel Snelling is one of the finest men I have ever known, and I will miss him very much.

Semper fi, Sir!


  I am the only child of Duane E. Crawford, Ret, Major USMC.  Sadly, I never had the pleasure of meeting Colonel Snelling but talked to him often on the phone.  A true southern gentleman and officer.  Every time I spoke with him, my military upbringing came out and I spoke with him in the proper manner.  He would always say, "Sandi, I'm no longer a Colonel and not a "sir", you can call me by my first name."  My response was always, "No Sir, that I cannot do my Daddy taught me to show respect and you Sir, indeed, have my utmost respect.

Daddy spoke often and fondly of serving with the Colonel and the memories he shared with him and "their boys."  The day Daddy was to leave to go stateside, he told Colonel he wanted to re-up for another tour.  Colonel said, "Son, you can put in for it but I won't approve it.  You've seen enough war and carnage."  Daddy told me years later, that his decision probably saved his life.  

I will repeat what my dad used to tell me.  Colonel Ed Snelling was a Marines Marine.  He was a man above men.  He will be sorely missed but always remembered.  God be with you, Sue and Kelley during this difficult time.  RIP Colonel Snelling                 Sandra L. Crawford

I was Mike Company, 3rd Platoon Commander, under the leadership of Duane E. Crawford , 1968-1969, when Colonel Snelling took over 3/26, as the Battalion Commander.  He was taking command at the time my platoon was on the point of a Night March or Movement to save Kilo Company from total annihilation on 2/28-3/1/69. They were surrounded by the NVA that had trapped them in a horseshoe shaped ambush. We saved many Marines that morning. Colonel Snelling told our Commanding Officer, 1st Lt. Crawford that Mike Company would get the next rest and rehab break. He was a man of his word and everyone respected him. He was a field Marine and the Grunts loved him. My platoon members could not believe it, when we rotated back to Battalion to provide security. Based on the extended combat of Mike Company,  we needed that break before the next operation kicked off. Thank you Colonel Snelling. Semper Fi.
Captain Larry C. Tasby, USMC Retired

During my  tour with 3/26 in RVN,  a time of participation in non-stop operations throughout I Corps,  Col. Snelling stood out as truly a significant leader of Marines who, by his calm, determined presence alone, kept moral high regardless of the difficulties faced.  Always at the front, never commanding from the rear. His gracious style in caring for 'his' Marines, and their families,  through all the years following that war became important to many as they moved ahead in building their lives.   
I and all who knew this man have been truly blessed to have been in his presence and thoughts. He remains with us all.  
Sir, Semper Fi! 

Ed is a special friend to me and I will very much miss him.
We had many lunches together and long talks about everything.
Road trips were one of the things we liked to do together.
He always enjoyed having lunch with Marines from 3/26 when they were in town.
That was the only time he would pull rank on us. We were his Marines.
As time went on I would visit him and Sue at home for snacks and drinks.
My last visit was 4/13 after having lunch Jim, Tom and Mick (3/26 Marines) they wanted me 
to say they missed not having him with us for lunch.
My wife passed away in Aug. and Ed was  rock for me as Claire was special to Ed.
Sue and Kelly are in my prayers.
With his passing our friendship doesn't end, just grows stronger.

Dear Sue and Kelly,

Charlie Battery had the  good fortune and honor of serving under Colonel Snelling in BLT 3/26.  We were on a firebase supporting  3/26 in the Arizona Territory when Colonel Snelling assumed command of 3/26.  Our link to 3/26 was by radio. Even with the impersonal communications, it was obvious that Colonel Snelling was making a positive difference.  It was not until the preparations for Operation Oklahoma Hills that I actually met Colonel Snelling personally.  I then understood how he so motivated everyone. 

 Colonel Snelling  was the the best Commanding Officer I knew during my two tours in Vietnam.  Colonel Snelling was a leader from the front.  He was competent and had an aura about him that invoked confidence and motivated you to do your best even under the most dire conditions. 

Colonel Snelling was the epitome of a Marine and gentleman.  He was a gracious and humble man.  Colonel Snelling focused on you when you talked to him.  He never bragged of his accomplishments.  He would never bring up the Navy Cross he earned in Korea  and yet this man was the leader and man  each one of us wanted to  emulate.  

It was a proud moment to receive the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.  I am especially proud that it was on his recommendation.

At the Chattanooga Reunion, my wife, Sarah, and I learned that he had lived in Greenville, SC.  We listened to him talking about Greenville.  We have visited Greenville many times to visit my wife's father.  Sarah found a book on Greenville and sent it to Colonel Snelling.    He later told us that he enjoyed the book.  We were pleased to do something for him.

I am very grateful to Sue and Kelly for sharing Colonel Snelling.  Being our leader took him physically away from you.

Very Respectfully,

Michael Popelka

 I served under Col. Snelling in 3rd. Battalion 26th Marines in Viet Nam.  Our battalion was one of the top combat battalions in Viet Nam and we did our best work under his command.  There was never any question that he would do anything to support his Marines. 
As communications chief of India Co. I had very little personal contact with the Colonel but was aware of what was going on with our battalion.  Col. Snelling was a smart and decisive commander that always  listened to his staff and  then made the best decisions available to complete our objective without putting his Marines at more risk than necessary.  
I was pleased when he attended the reunion  in Chattanooga so I could thank him personally for his leadership.
Semper Fi Colonel,
Don Buford, former corporal and India 2-8, 3/26th Marines

Dear Sue and Kelly,

Ed was a great husband, father,Marine and friend. He always put everyone else first.  After Leemon passed away he would call every now and then to see if I was okay. He and Shaun are together again. May he rest in peace. Joyce McHenry

I first met Colonel Snelling when he was assigned as our Commanding Officer of 3d Battalion, 
26th Marines in Vietnam in 1969.  When I first saw him my first impression was General Robert 
E. Lee.  Colonel Snelling was an outstanding Marine and leader of Marines.  He led from the front,
 not from the rear.  Colonel Snelling was adept at getting everyone in his command to work 
together as a team.  He inspired confidence within us younger officers, and became a role model 
for me as to how to lead Marines.  I'm extremely thankful to have known this great man who was
 awarded the Navy Cross while serving in the Korean War.  For those who knew Colonel Snelling, 
he will be missed  by all, but I assure you that  his presence will always be felt.  Special prayers to 
the family as Colonel Snelling now resides with the block of U. S. Marines in heaven.


Semper fi,
Col Denny Hilton, USMC retired

Col. Ed Snelling was the personification of the image the world visualizes when they read or hear the phrase United States Marine.
He led by quiet example,  put those of his command first,  was quick to praise,  and admonished only as a last resort.
A hero of the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War,  he never spoke of his heroics, even though he was awarded our  nation's second highest decoration for 
personal heroism.  He never forgot those with whom he served and exemplified the meaning of the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis".
We are all better for having known him and priveleged to have served with him.  There  now stands  another one of a kind Marine to guard the gates of heaven.
May God bless him and keep him.
Semper Fidelis,
S-4,  1st Marine Regiment


Colonel Snelling was a Marine’s Marine, and was someone whose personality and bearing immediately commanded respect.  While I never served under his command I knew several who did, all of whom spoke of the experience as one of the most rewarding of their careers.  My life has been enriched for having known him.  To Sue and Kelly, my deepest condolences for your loss.

Colonel Snelling was my commanding officer at Marine Barracks, Subic Bay, Philippines in the early ‘70s.  He was an outstanding Marine officer in every respect and was highly respected by all all his Marines and Navy personnel, as well. In my 16 years in the USMC, he stood out as the best commanding officer I ever knew. Calm, authentic, professional and knowledgeable,  he always had the interests of his Marines uppermost in mind. Semper Fidelis, Sir....well done! 

OBITUARIO

Edward Woodside Snelling

22 noviembre, 1923 – 14 abril, 2019

Roswell Funeral Home & Green Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum

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