The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Joseph J. Ryan (MCSN: 0-42039), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 14 June 1945. Leading his men in an assault on a strongly-held enemy ridge in the face of sustained sniper and machine-gun fire, Second Lieutenant Ryan overran the position and drove the defenders back with hand grenades and small arms, thereby anchoring the left flank of the Battalion position. When severe casualties necessitated that his platoon be relieved, he exposed himself constantly to enemy fire in order to effect the evacuation of his wounded. On two occasions, he went to the aid of seriously wounded men and with no other means available carried them in his arms to safety. His fighting spirit, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.