The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Field Music First Class Norman L. Ryan (MCSN: 315016), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on the night of 4 October 1944. As a member of an ambush party, Field Music First Class Ryan quietly left his place of concealment, as a scout from a large body of enemy soldiers came down a path and, slipping up behind the Japanese, knifed him to death to prevent him from making an outcry. By his quick thinking and daring, he enabled his party to ambush and destroy a large number of the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Field Music First Class Ryan and the United States Naval Service.