Leo Grant Ryan

Leo Grant Ryan was born on May 13, 1920 in Logan, Utah to Gerald Grant and Mamie Virginia Hansen Ryan. Leo served in the Army during World War II.

History

Grant was born premature 7.5 months. He weighed only 1.5 pounds when he was born and had to be taken special care of or he would die. With the delicate care from his parents and doctors, Grant survived.1

At the age of 2, Grant's father died while securing a crane that tipped and hit a power line. Grant was raised primarily by his mother who didn't remarry until 1946.1

When the Great Depression swept the nation in 1929, the Ryan family was hit hard. The family, at times, would go without food for days. The Ryan family would visit "the Relief" to get food weekly. At age 13, Grant had to drop out of school and work to help support his family. He would deliver handbills for the water department and deliver newspapers. After saving for three months, he bought his first car, a Ford Model T, at age 14.1

At age 17, Grant joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a part of United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal to help the nation recover from the Great Depression. The CCC was for unemployed, unmarried men to work.1

Leo Grant Ryan married Ruth Jean Hutchison on Dec 28, 1946 in Tremonton, Utah. They soon moved to Logan where they raised their family of five. In the 1960's, the Ryan family moved to Richmond. Their son Gerald Scott Ryan was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1967. Family histories state that "this was one of the worst times in Grant's life."1

Military Life

Grant was drafted and entered active duty in the Army during World War II in 1942 and was enlisted in the 29th Infantry Division.1

On June 6, 1944, the 29th Infantry Division was called to land on the beach of Normandy, France to participate in D-Day. Grant came in on the 2nd wave at Omaha Beach.1

"[Grant] never did really talk about his time during the war. Some years later (1980's) he got a call from an Army buddy to meet him in Salt Lake City, Utah. The man had come from Nebraska with his wife and son. He wanted to introduce his son to the man who saved his life.

"They were out on maneuvers and got caught in some cross fire. Grant saw this man was badly wounded and went in under fire to pull him to safety. He told his son, if not for Grant's actions - he wouldn't be here today."1

Grant was released from active duty in 1946, but stayed in the Army in the Reserves. He worked up until he was Master Sergeant, the highest rank at the time for a noncommissioned officer. He retired in 1972.1

Awards

• Grant was wounded twice during his service, once in the leg and the other on the thigh, and was awarded two Purple Hearts.

• Rifle Combat Infantry Badge.

• Ruptured Duck Discharge Pin.

• Bronze Star.

• Army Good Conduct.

• Four European Theater Operation badges.

• Victory WWII.

• Army of Occupation for Germany.

• Enlisted Man's Cap Device.

Epilogue