The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald F. Ryan (MCSN: 1195224), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 and 9 April 1952. When a combat patrol leader failed to return to friendly lines, Private First Class Ryan immediately volunteered to accompany a rescue party in an attempt to locate the missing man. Fearlessly advancing across an open rice paddy under intense enemy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, he located the body of the fatally wounded officer and, although a numerically superior enemy force occupied positions at extremely close range, assisted in carrying the casualty back to friendly lines. By his daring initiative, marked courage and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Ryan served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.