The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ward Sanford Ryan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Executive Officer of the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium, on 7 January 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Ryan personally supervised the delivery of ammunition, medical supplies, and food to a battalion of his unit that was isolated by enemy forces in Flamierge, Belgium. He guided a battery of anti-tank guns and placed them for defense of the high ground south of the town. The supplies and anti-tank guns were delivered during the hours of darkness over terrain held by the enemy. Several times during the action, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan was subjected to enemy machine gun and artillery fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.