The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal James S. Ryan (MCSN: 820401), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Demolitions Group Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. When two attacking companies were held up by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from six supporting pillboxes at the base of Mount Suribachi, Corpora Ryan placed his demolitions group to deliver covering fire and, acting on his own initiative, went forward alone in the midst of heavy hostile cross-fire to the enemy positions. Placing and igniting the demolition charges, he went from pillbox to pillbox, throwing explosive charges inside and entering the fortifications after each explosion to kill the remaining Japanese in hand-to-hand combat. In this matter, he completely destroyed five pillboxes and annihilated all occupants. He remained exposed to Japanese fire, reconnoitering a route to the sixth, until he fell, mortally wounded by an enemy mortar shell. By his daring initiative and fearless devotion to duty, Corporal Ryan enabled the two assault companies to continue their advance and thereby contributed materially to the capture of Mount Suribachi. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.