The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Michael Patrick Ryan (MCSN: 0-6934), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, and also as Commanding Officer of a Composite Battalion, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Landing with his company in the fourth wave, Major Ryan courageously led a fierce, determined assault against the enemy and, retaining the initiative despite heavy casualties sustained by his forces, organized two other rifle companies with his own into a composite battalion which, under his skillful direction, successfully held a shallow beachhead throughout the remainder of the day and night. On the following morning, he led his composite unit in an aggressive attack toward the strongly-defended south beach of Betio Island, continually exposing himself to intense hostile fire and inspiring his men by his own personal valor until an important beachhead was cleared of the Japanese and reinforcements and supplies could be landed for our forces without resistance. Major Ryan’s brilliant tactical ability and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril contributed in large measure to the ultimate capture of a highly strategic atoll and reflect great credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.