William J Van Ryzin

Biography

Van Ryzin was born William John Van Ryzin on April 20, 1914 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1935. Van Ryzin married twice and had two children, one of whom became a colonel in the military. He was also active in the United Way of America, the Forty and Eight, and was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church. Van Ryzin died on July 1, 2002 in Washington, D.C.

Career

Van Ryzin was commissioned an officer in the Marine Corps in 1935 following his graduation from college. He served with the Marine Detachment at the American Embassy in Peiping, China, during the 1930s. At the outbreak of World War II, he was serving with the 1st Defense Battalion on Palmyra Island and received a Bronze Star with Combat “V” for meritorious service there. He later served as the commander of 18th Defense Battalion during the Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Tinian. Following World War II, he participated in the occupation of North China. Afterward, he served in a variety of staff assignments, including several billets at Headquarters Marine Corps, and later, as chief of staff for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. Gen Van Ryzin commanded the 2d Marine Division from 1963-1965, and during the Vietnam War, served for three months as Deputy Commander, III Marine Amphibious Force. He retired from active duty with the Marine Corps in 1971.

Following retirement, he was involved in various professional and charitable activities in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He was a founding member of the Historic Shepherdstown Commission and helped restore the historic Entler Hotel. For his volunteer work with the Jefferson County United Way, he was awarded the Tocqueville Award.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General William J. Van Ryzin: