James A. Ryan

James Augustine Ryan (October 22, 1867 – January 14, 1956) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the American Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Pancho Villa Expedition, and World War I, he attained the rank of brigadier general. During the First World War, Ryan commanded 1st Brigade, 15th Cavalry Division at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and 17th Brigade, 9th Division at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, in addition to acting as the 9th Division commander on several occasions.

A native of Danbury, Connecticut, Ryan graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1890 and was commissioned in the Cavalry. He served in the western states during the American Indian Wars and took part in the Yukon Relief Mission 1897–1898. He commanded a Cavalry troop in the Spanish–American War, and took part in the Siege of Santiago. Ryan went on to serve in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War. As he advanced through the ranks, subsequent assignments included member of the West Point faculty.

At the start of World War I, Ryan was in charge of the U.S. commission that evacuated U.S. citizens from Germany and Austria. During the war, he commanded 1st Brigade, 15th Cavalry Division and 17th Brigade, 9th Division during their organization and training in the United States.

Ryan retired from the army in 1920 and pursued a long career as a Chicago-based business executive. After retiring from business in 1942, he resided in St. Petersburg, Florida. He died in St. Petersburg on January 14, 1956. Ryan was buried at West Point Cemetery in West Point, New York. Provided by Wikipedia