Richard Louis Ryan

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by J. A. "Andy" Chacon on November 30, 2011:

Richard Louis Ryan Born December 21, 1927 -- Died November 26, 2011 Richard Louis "Dick" Ryan was born in Zanesville, Ohio on 21 December 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the 15th Congressional District. At West Point his classmates recall: "After the rigors of plebe year, and his misfortunes with Jim, Willie, and Art, this lad from the Buckeye State found his great secret to success. From yearling summer on he gave in to the academics and concentrated on the weekends. G-1 will always remember Dick as the likeable chap who was at his best when representing us on the cinders or braving the winds of Flirtation Walk." (The photo shows the Ryans at an oyster roast.) During his cadet days Dick went out for Fencing his plebe year. He was on the Russian Club yearling year, on the Radio Club cow year and was the Athletic Representative and a Cadet Sergeant first class year. On graduation Dick went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma reported to the Anti Aircraft Battalion at Fort Custer, Wyoming where he served through 1951. Next Dick was assigned to the 39th Anti Aircraft Battalion in England and served there from 1952 to 1955. Dick's next assignment was to the Republic of Korea and was named Battery Commander in the 8th Artillery where he served from 1959 to 1961. On return to stateside Dick was assigned to the Reserve Officers Training Corps detachment at the University of Syracuse where he served from 1961 to 1965. While at Syracuse he earned an MBA degree and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service on completion of his tour with the ROTC. In 1966 Dick attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Then from 1966 to 1969 Dick served at Headquarters, United States Army Reserve, Pacific. Dick's last military assignment was to the Office, Army Comptroller and he served until 1971 when he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. On retirement he was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Since retirement Dick has had management positions with Shannon & Luchs beginning in 1971 then with Begg Inc., from 1975 to 1977 when he went with the VMI Finance Corporation. From 1981 to 1984 Dick was associated with the Gullege Corporation. He established a CPA practice in 1984 and from 1987 to 1988 served as Controller HSG Assets Management Group. Dick and his wife Helene made their home in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The September/October 1997 Assembly noted, "Dick & Helene hosted the Class of '51 DC summer party at McCormack and Schmick's restaurant 1662 K Street NW, DC, which is managed by their son-in-law, Pat Gaffney. Thirty-six classmates, wives, and guests attended."

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