John F. O'Ryan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Francis O'Ryan
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John F. O'Ryan as commander of the 27th Division in World War I
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| Born | August 21, 1874 Manhattan, New York City, New York |
| Died | January 29, 1961 (aged 86) South Salem, New York |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1898-1920 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Other work |
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John Francis O'Ryan (born August 21, 1874 – died January 29, 1961) was an important person from Manhattan, New York City. He was a lawyer, a politician, a government worker, and a military leader. He is best known for leading the 27th Division during World War I. Later, he served in important roles like the New York State Transit Commission and as the New York City Police Commissioner. During World War II, he helped lead New York State's Civil Defense efforts.
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Early Life and Military Start
John F. O'Ryan was born in New York City on August 21, 1874. He went to public schools in New York City and later studied law at New York University. He became a lawyer in 1898.
While still in college, O'Ryan joined the New York National Guard. This is a part-time military force that helps in emergencies. He became a Second Lieutenant in 1900.
In 1912, O'Ryan was promoted to Major General. He became the commander of the entire New York National Guard. He also attended the United States Army War College in 1914, which is a special school for military leaders. In 1916, he served in the Villa Expedition. This was a military operation in Mexico.
World War I Service
When World War I began, the New York National Guard was organized into the 27th Division. John O'Ryan was chosen to lead this division.
The 27th Division fought bravely in Belgium and France. O'Ryan was the youngest division commander in the U.S. Army when he arrived in Europe. He was also the only National Guard general to lead his division throughout the entire war. After the war, O'Ryan helped start the American Legion, a group for veterans.
After World War I
From 1922 to 1926, O'Ryan was a member of the New York State Transit Commission. This group helped manage public transportation.
In 1926, he became involved in the exciting new field of commercial aviation. He was a partner in Pan American Airways and later became the President of Colonial Airlines.
In 1933, O'Ryan led parades to protest how Jewish people were being treated in Germany. He wanted the U.S. government to help them.
In 1934, he ran for Mayor of New York. However, he decided to step aside and support Fiorello LaGuardia. When LaGuardia won, O'Ryan became his Police Commissioner. He served in this role for most of 1935.
World War II and Later Life
During World War II, O'Ryan played an important role in New York State. He served as the state's Civil Defense Director. This meant he helped prepare the state and its people for possible attacks or emergencies during the war. He also gave advice to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson.
In 1945, he was elected National Commander of the Military Order of Foreign Wars. This is a group for officers who have served in foreign wars.
Awards and Honors
John O'Ryan received many awards for his service. These included the Distinguished Service Medal and the Victory Medal from the U.S. Army.
He also received several awards from other countries:
- From the British: Order of St. Michael and St. George and the Royal Victorian Order.
- From French: Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre.
- From Belgian: Order of Leopold and the Croix de Guerre.
- From Italian: Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.
In 1919, New York University gave him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Death and Burial
General John F. O'Ryan passed away in South Salem, New York on January 29, 1961. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special cemetery for military heroes.
Legacy
In 1952, a training area for the New York National Guard in Wethersfield, New York was named Camp O'Ryan in his honor. This camp was used for military training for many years.
