The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) James W. Ryan (ASN: 0-345695), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, on 22 February 1945, in Luxembourg. Captain Ryan led a small detachment of medical men through a mine field under heavy enemy fire to render first aid and evacuate casualties. Although one medical man of the detachment was wounded by enemy fire, Captain Ryan remained in the mine field for forty-five minutes until all the wounded were evacuated prior to his leaving the area. Captain Ryan’s gallant actions greatly aided in saving the lives of his wounded comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.