PHILIP H. RYAN, JR., ENS, USN
Philip Ryan, Jr. '55
Lucky Bag
From the 1955 Lucky Bag:
PHILIP HENRY RYAN, JR.
Charlottesville, Virginia
It was on July 2, 1951 that this gentleman from Charlottesville first stepped into the System to realize his ambition. His only complaint during four good years was that the Math and Skinny Departments were looking for geniuses instead of prospective naval officers. Thoughts of a good day's gunning and Paris liberty were paramount at all times except when he got too near the rack and became oblivious to everything else (the only real escape, he said). Phil showed his skill in many intramural sports ranging from battalion gymnastics to water polo.
PHILIP HENRY RYAN, JR.
Charlottesville, Virginia
It was on July 2, 1951 that this gentleman from Charlottesville first stepped into the System to realize his ambition. His only complaint during four good years was that the Math and Skinny Departments were looking for geniuses instead of prospective naval officers. Thoughts of a good day's gunning and Paris liberty were paramount at all times except when he got too near the rack and became oblivious to everything else (the only real escape, he said). Phil showed his skill in many intramural sports ranging from battalion gymnastics to water polo.
Loss
From the September 1956 issue of Shipmate:
We are sorry to have to announce the death of PHILIP HENRY RYAN, JR., on 3 August at Corpus Christi, Texas. Phil was a flight student and was killed when his parachute failed to open after the collision of two training planes. He and H. F. Snyder both jumped and Snyder suffered a broken leg. The two occupants of the other plane were also killed. Phil, Sr., is in the Class of 1923.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz: "He graduated from Lane High School in 1951. Key Club 4,5; Photographer for school newspaper; Hi-Y. He resided in Boyd Tavern, Virginia."
Phil is buried in Virginia.
His ring is on display at the USNA Museum.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
