[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE MEMORY OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR WILLIAM FRANCIS RYAN, 
                           U.S. ARMY RETIRED

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2017

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on March 24, 2017, Families of the Shield, 
Inc. will honor the life and sacrifices of Command Sergeant Major 
William Francis Ryan (USA, Retired) by raising the United States flag 
over a Big Red One Statue at Eddie's Sunrise Diner located at 55 E. 
NASA Blvd. in Melbourne, Florida. On February 28, 2017, at my request, 
the Architect of the Capitol flew the United States Flag over our 
Capitol Building to further honor Command Sergeant Major Ryan.
  Command Sergeant Major Ryan first joined the Merchant Marines and 
received six Russian medals. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 
landing on Omaha Beach June 6, 1944, with the first wave of American 
soldiers. Ryan was a member of the 1st Inf. Div.'s 16th Infantry 
Regiment during D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. 
During his 30 plus years of service he also volunteered for numerous 
tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam.
  William Ryan retired from the military in 1973 to enjoy his boat, 
volunteer at the Honor America Museum. Over the years, made several 
trips back to Belgium and France to honor our fallen heroes, most 
recently for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
  Command Sergeant Major Ryan's awards and decorations include: the 
Bronze Star Medals with (V) Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the 
Purple Heart, Distinguished Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, 
Good Conduct Medal (1st-9th Awards), European-African-Middle Eastern 
Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (GER), 
National Defense Service Medal (1OLC), Korean Service Medal, Vietnam 
Services Medal, Belgium Fourragere, In Service Medal, Korean 
Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 Device, Combat 
Infantry Badge.
  William Ryan is survived by his beloved daughter Corrine and her 
husband Charles; his son Mark, his wife Shannon and their son Paul; his 
former wife, Lorraine Ryan; predeceased by his son, David W. Ryan and 
his sister, Margaret Christie. He will be remembered by his many 
grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Command 
Sergeant Major William F. Ryan's service to our nation and his 
commitment to the cause of liberty.

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