The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Howard L. Ryan (ASN: 33166615), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the *** Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 30 July 1944. The 2d Platoon of the *** Reconnaissance Troop, while on a security-reconnaissance mission, was fired upon by enemy 88-mm. artillery guns and machine guns in concealed emplacements, and two members of the platoon were wounded and fell to the road. They were unable to move to safety, and were subjected to crossfire from enemy machine guns. Private Ryan, accompanied by another enlisted man, drove his quarter-ton vehicle through the enemy fire to the wounded men, placed them in the vehicle and evacuated them to safety. His prompt actions and complete disregard for personal safety saved two of his comrades-in-arms from further wounds and possible capture, and reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier.