The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Thomas John Ryan, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWELVE, during the initial assault on Rendova Island on 30 June 1943. Captain Ryan covered landing troop movements and, despite repeated attacks by hostile aircraft, directed his ships so as to avoid any damage either to them or to the transports he covered. Captain Ryan’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Thomas John Ryan, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWELVE, in offensive action at Kula Gulf on 8 – 9 July 1943. Captain Ryan directed a torpedo attack on a Japanese formation and contributed materially to the destruction of four and possibly five enemy ships. Later in the same month, in a night action at Vella Lavella, his destroyer division launched another torpedo and gunfire attack, which destroyed one and damaged another Japanese destroyer and sank four large and several smaller barges. Captain Ryan’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.