DOB/DOD: 1853 * (Waterbury, CT) – December 16, 1933 (Staten Island, NY); 80 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
ENLISTMENT: August 17, 1875
* The exact Date of Birth is unknown.
FAMILY: Born to Richard (1820-?) and Annie Ryan (1823-?) [both born in Ireland]. Two sisters, Margaret Ryan White (1849-1927) and Mary (1850-?). Two brothers, John (1852-?) and Edward (1857-?).
MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Peace Time Awards
BRANCH OF SERVICE: Navy
ASSIGNED TO: U.S.S. Hartford
GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 207 (March 23, 1876).
AGE ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT: 22 or 23
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Ordinary Seaman Richard Ryan, United States Navy, for distinguished and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Hartford. Ordinary Seaman Ryan displayed gallant conduct in jumping overboard at Norfolk, Virginia, and rescuing from drowning one of the crew of that vessel on 4 March 1876.
From The Waterbury Democrat December 18, 1933
Richard Ryan, a native of this city and well-known to older residents, died Saturday at the Sailors’ Home, Snug Harbor, Staten Island, New York. He was born here and spent his early life in this city. He was a brother of the late Mrs. John White of Walnut Street.
The body is being removed to the Bergen Funeral Home, 290 East Main Street, where friends may call tomorrow night. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 8:30, with services at the Sacred Heart Church at 9 o’clock. Burial will be in old St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Mr. Ryan leaves a number of nieces and nephews in Ansonia and New Haven, as well as several relatives in this city.
Buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 480 Hamilton Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut; Section L, Lot 19. Photos by Jeff DeWitt
END