West Blocton hero memorialized

West Blocton hero Sp. 4 John W. Snelson, memorialized

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

Peachtree Street in West Blocton is now and will forever be known as Spc. 4 John W. Snelson Drive.  During a historic ceremony on May 19, he and Thomas Dewitt Poole became the first black soldiers to have roads named after them in West Blocton.  Both died while serving their country in the Vietnam War.  They are only the second and third black soldiers to have roads named after them in Bibb County.  Now they will be forever memorialized as community and national heroes. 

Last month the Centreville Press presented the story of Cpl. Thomas Dewitt Poole, and now the story of Spc. 4 John W. Snelson:

John W. Snelson was born the third child to Elisha, Sr. and Sarah L, Snelson of West Blocton.  He was a graduate and athlete at West Blocton High School.  Former teammates still tell stories about Snelson’s abilities.  At 6” 2’ he towered over much of the competition.

After his older brother, Elisha Snelson Jr. was drafted, John enlisted because he wanted to serve his country. John served basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia where he graduated from jump school.  John became an Airborne Ranger and a Green Beret.  Shortly after training he was married to Dorothy Washington, the couple had a daughter they named Althea Lynn known by friends as “Johnny Girl.”

John was killed in the line of duty in South Vietnam on April 23,1970.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Outstanding Meritorious Service in connection with a Ground Operation against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.  He was also awarded the: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, and the Marksmanship Badge.

John’s brother, Elisha Snelson Jr. died in 2001 as a retired Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army.  John’s wife Dorothy is now deceased. His daughter Althea who attended the May 19^th ceremony has several children and lives in Chicago, Illionois.

Poole and Dewitt are buried in Pine Hill Cemetery only a few feet apart from one another. 

Many family members and friends of Spc. 4 Snelson attended the May 19 road naming ceremony, including descendents who never knew him personally.  They all stated that his courage and dedication to his country has honored their family for decades. The family of Spc.4 Snelson thanked everyone for the historic May 19^th ceremony and for honoring their fallen kin.  They specifically thanked Mayor Reese, Fred Lynch, and Pam Morse.

(Photo) Spc.4 John W. Snelson of West Blocton was killed in action during the Vietnam Conflict in 1970.  On Saturday, May 19 he, along with another Vietnam War Hero, Thomas Dewitt Poole were honored as the first African American Soldiers to be memorialized in West Blocton’s history.  Peachtree St. is now Spc. 4 John W. Snelson Drive.  Fern Lane is now Cpl. Thomas D. Poole Drive.