He served in that capacity during the Eniwetok operation in the Marshall Islands at the end of February 1944 and following the promotion to the rank of colonel during the next month, he was appointed commanding officer of 22nd Marines. Schneider led his regiment during the recapture of Guam in the Marianas in July 1944 and distinguished himself during that operation. He was decorated with the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.