The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles W. Ryan (ASN: 0-1325934), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, from 8 to 10 October 1944. Although wounded early in the battle for the town of ****, Lieutenant Ryan refused medical assistance and continued in active leadership of his platoon, establishing a defensive position and maintaining it in the face of heavy enemy counterattacks supported by tanks and superior numbers of troops. He then led his men in the capture of a section of the town, taking a large group of prisoners and exhibiting outstanding qualities of leadership and dash. Only after he had established new defensive positions did he permit himself to be evacuated. Lieutenant Ryan’s intrepid actions and utter disregard for his personal safety and welfare prove him an honor to his military training and reflect high credit upon his character as an officer.