John F. Ryan

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John F. Ryan (0-1016853), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 80th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 30 March 1945. Lieutenant Ryan’s platoon was spearheading the attack of a combat team of the 8th Armored Division. The second tank of the platoon was hit and burst into flame. Lieutenant Ryan directed his platoon into position. He then noticed members of the crew were trapped in their burning tank. Without consideration for his own safety, he dismounted. Under a hail of small arms fire, he went to their aid. While engaged in rescuing the men from the tank he was killed by small arms fire. His courage and heroism were beyond the call of duty, and reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.