The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Martin J. Ryan (MCSN: 289619), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1945. With his squad pinned down by shattering machine-gun fire during a bitter engagement with the enemy, Corporal Ryan boldly charged forward in an effort to wipe out the strong point and, pressing home a determined attack in the face of tremendous odds, succeeded in silencing the hostile fire with well-placed hand grenades. By his daring initiative, Corporal Martin saved the lives of many men who otherwise might have perished and enabled his platoon to resume its advance against the fanatic Japanese. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.