William Donald Ryder

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Donald Ryder, Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Naval Reserve. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on board the U.S.S. LAFFEY, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Okinawa Area on April 16, 1945. When his ship was struck by enemy aircraft while on radar picket duty, setting it on fire and jamming the rudders, RYDER twice entered the partially flooded and smoke-filled compartment adjacent to a burning 20-mm. magazine in courageous attempts to restore steering control to the ship. While his vessel was still under heavy air attacks, he fought fires threatening to explode ammunition in a five-inch handling room and in the after magazine. His cool courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Reserve.