The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Claude H. Ryan, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as Commander of the Armed Guard of the S.S. TYLER, and also for the heroic manner in which he conducted himself on the night of 2 May 1918 at the time the ship was torpedoed, and at all times. In commending him the Master of the TYLER stated: “No praise can be too good for him.”