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View a eulogy for William Thomas Ryan, USMA '48, who passed away on January 19, 1999.

William Thomas Ryan

West Point, 1948

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by XXXXXX on May 20, 2008:

William T. Ryan ’48
No. 16757 15 Feb 1926 – 19 Jan 1999
Died in Lewes, DE Cremated, inurned at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium, Arlington, VA

WILLIAM THOMAS RYAN was born in Troy, NY, the son of New York Senator John P. Ryan and Mary Agnes McCarthy Ryan. Bill is remembered for his captivating grin, good natured spirit, and superior athletic ability. Basketball was Bill’s game, and he could outplay men on the varsity squad.

He qualified as a paratrooper and was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division in Japan, where he joined the 63rd Field Artillery Battalion. When his firing battery entered combat at Chonan on 7 Jul 1950, Bill adjusted white phosphorus continuous fire to save a battalion of the 34th Infantry from complete destruction. His battery commander in Korea said, “Bill was one of the finest young officers I knew in my 32 years of service, was respected by all, and always gave his best to support the Infantry.”

Foxhole combat was a way of life for Bill during the first six months of the war spent as a forward observer. He survived the disastrous battle of the Kum River and the slaughter of the 34th Infantry at Taejon. Bill joined our battalion on 26 August when his unit was designated C Battery, 52d Field Artillery. He supported rifle companies of the 21st Infantry Regiment from the Pusan Perimeter to the Yalu and during the bitter withdrawal from North Korea. His radio telephone operator recalls, “Bill was one of the bravest men I knew. Under fire, he never faltered or hesitated to do his job.” For this, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

He was assigned as Battery Executive in December, a position he held throughout the frozen winter of 1951. According to his Chief of Firing Battery, “LT Ryan enjoyed a high degree of admiration, respect, and the complete loyalty of his men because of his sincere concern for their problems.” Although his battery commander recommended that Bill succeed him, the battalion commander would not give Bill a firing battery. Instead, Bill transferred to the 555th Field Artillery Battalion as Regimental Liaison Officer. The “Triple Nickel” lost 11 of 18 howitzers in a roadblock on 26 March. Bill was among those seriously wounded in that action, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Following his recovery, Bill served with the Transportation Corp and was assigned as an instructor at Ft. Eustis. The Army lost a fine officer when Bill resigned as a captain in December 1953. He was very proud of his service, especially in Korea. Bill earned a master of science in management engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1954, and a juris doctorate at night from Georgetown University Law School in 1959, while serving as Legislative Liaison for the Bureau of Ships. He was admitted to the Federal District Court and the Court of Appeals. For several years, he served as treasurer for the Class of ’48.

In 1963, Bill married Mary Lou Smith at St. Alphonsus Church in Auburn, NY, and described the event as “the best thing that ever happened to me.” Two fine sons, Thomas and Michael, joined the Ryan household in 1968 and 1969.

In 1972, Bill retired from his position with the Naval Material Command and began his real estate career in Rehoboth Beach, DE. With Mary Lou as his partner, Bill opened Ryan Real Estate in Dewey Beach, DE, in 1978. Bill served as Magistrate of Rehoboth Beach for a short time, and after Dewey Beach was incorporated, he was elected one of the town’s first commissioners. Bill was particularly proud that he, working with his committee, wrote the new town’s zoning ordinance, most of which is still in effect.

He was a lifetime member of the Rehoboth Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars and belonged to the Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club. Following the sale of their company in 1986, Bill and Mary Lou toured the world. In 1994, they decided to make their home at Caloosa Yacht and Racquet Club, Ft. Myers, FL. An old friend remembered Bill as smart, quiet, and personable. “He was a man of honor, integrity, friendship, and great humor.”

Although seriously ill, Bill still attended our 50th Reunion in May 1998. Combat soldier, successful businessman, civic leader, devoted husband and father, and true friend — that is how Bill lived his life and would like to be remembered. Bill has found his place in the house of the Lord. We shall miss him dearly.

Mary Lou Ryan, COL (Ret.) Robert L. Hallahan and friends

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