Jacques F. Snyder

Passed away on February 25, 2012 at the age of 90 in Fairfax, Virginia. He was born in New York City of an American father and a French mother, but raised in France after the accidental death of his father. At the outbreak of World War II, he returned to the United States and joined the US Army and was recruited by the Office of Strategic Services (SO, SI and X2). Parachuting into occupied France weeks before D-Day, he helped to organize and supply French resistance groups as well as helping downed American bomber crews. He earned several decorations, including a Bronze Star and Legion of Honor. At the end of the war he met Marie-Therese, his French wife of 53 years and remained in military intelligence as an active duty officer and civilian up to and including the first Gulf War in 1991. His career took him around the world, sometimes without notice and at times returning with a tan or a cast, never saying where he had been.

Jacques is not only remembered as a brave and dedicated member of our military, but also as a loving husband and a dedicated father and grandfather. Jacques loved celebrating with family, going out to dinner and enjoying the French cuisine and wines he grew up with. Generous, larger than life, and with a booming voice, his French relatives affectionately called him “Tonton Jules”. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, swimming and crossword puzzles.

Jacques is survived by his four sons: Frank, Richard, James, and John, as well as his five grandchildren: Ryan, Veronica, Alan, Julie and Christopher. He will be buried with his wife at Arlington National Cemetery on March 22, 2012 at 9:00am. Graveside service with full military honors.