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name
RYAN, John Francis - Date of
birth
22 January 1918 -
Age
27 - Place of
birth
Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York -
Hometown
Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-1016853 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
unknown -
Unit
HQ & HQ Company,
80th Tank Battalion,
8th Armored Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
30 March 1945 - Place of
death
Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| L | 21 | 8 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Timothy P. Ryan (father)
Helen M. (Solinsky) Ryan (mother)
Timothy J. Ryan (brother)
More information
Lt John F. Ryan was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his action on the day of his death. The citation cited: Lt 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. Lt 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.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Carla Mans, WWII Memorial, National Archives, 8th Armored Division, www.ancestry.com - Family Tree, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, www.ancestry.com - Oram Family Tree