Ryan was a 1921 graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis , Maryland . While an ensign , he was in Yokohama , Japan during the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake , during which he saved a woman , Mrs. Slack , from the burning Grand Hotel . This action earned Ryan the Medal of Honor , making him one of 18 men to receive the Medal of Honor during the interwar period from 1920-1940 . Ryan was presented the Medal of Honor by President Calvin Coolidge at the White House on March 15 , 1924
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
Thomas J. Ryan (admiral)