Oscar Peter Snyder was born on 6 January 1895 (his baptismal certificate states 6 September 1895) near Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in June 1916 and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Regular Army on 24 October 1916. He first served in Ohio then Texas and Georgia. While with the 28th Infantry Division Snyder was sent to France in May 1918 with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) where he participated in four campaigns. He returned to the United States on 20 July 1919 and was assigned to Camp Dodge, Iowa. In September 1922 he was transferred to Fort Sheridan, Illinois and in August 1924 he was sent to Camp Stotsenberg in the Philippines. He also served at Sternberg General Hospital in Manila. Returning to the United States in April 1927 he served at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Fort Thomas, Kentucky. In August 1935 he enrolled in the Army Dental School and graduated from the Postgraduate Course and was transferred to the United State Military Academy, West Point, New York. On 12 April 1942 Snyder was sent to Melbourne, Australia as Chief Dental Surgeon, Southwest Pacific Theater, Office of the Surgeon General. Snyder returned from the Pacific Theater in December 1944 and served in Atlantic City, New Jersey, then transferred to Fitzsimons General Hospital, Denver, Colorado as Chief of the Dental Service. On 27 April 1948 he was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center as Director of Dental Activities and also served at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas as Director of Dental Activities. In April 1954 he was promoted to major general and confirmed as Chief of the Army Dental Corps and Assistant to the Surgeon General, assuming command on 1 May 1954. Snyder retired from the U.S. Army on 30 November 1956.
From the description of Oscar P. Snyder collection, ca. 1870-1990 (bulk 1952-1956). (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 309149437
