John Francis O'Ryan
| John Francis O'Ryan | |
|---|---|
John F. O'Ryan as commander of the 27th Division in World War I
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| Born |
August 21, 1874 New York, New York |
| Died | January 29, 1961 (aged 86) South Salem, New York |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
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| Service/branch |
 United States Army
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| Years of service | 1898-1920 |
| Rank |
 Major General
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| Commands held | |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Other work |
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John Francis O'Ryan (August 21, 1874 - January 29, 1961) was a New York City attorney, politician, government official and military officer. He served as commander of the 27th Division during World War I. He later served as a member of the New York State Transit Commission and as New York City Police Commissioner. During World War II he was New York State Civil Defense Director.
O'Ryan was born in New York City on August 21, 1874. He attended the public schools of New York City, City College of New York and the law program of New York University, and became an attorney in 1898. He enlisted in the New York National Guard while still a college student and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1900.
In 1912 O'Ryan was appointed Major General and commander of the New York National Guard. He graduated from the Army War College in 1914 and served in the 1916 Villa Expedition.
In 1914 O'Ryan received his law degree from New York University School of Law as a member of the class of 1896.
At the start of World War I the New York National Guard was organized as the 27th Division with O'Ryan as commander. The 27th saw action in Belgium and France, and O'Ryan, the Army's youngest division commander when he arrived in Europe, was the only National Guard general to remain in command throughout the war. After returning to the United States O'Ryan was a founder of the American Legion.
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