The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gordon Ryans (ASN: 12150063), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 12 March 1945, in the vicinity of Bubingen, Germany. During an enemy counterattack, Private First Class Ryans, acting squad leader, took command of the machine gun section when the section sergeant was wounded. He set up the guns, preventing an initial enemy breakthrough. During the fight he took over a wounded gunner’s position. When the enemy closed in on them and their ammunition was gone, Private First Class Ryans destroyed the guns and, using enemy weapons, covered the withdrawal of his men. The initiative and determination displayed by Private First Class Ryans reflect credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.