RYAN, Leo Joseph

Photos Courtesy of California Historical Society, MSP 3800

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Last Name
 
RYAN
Given Names
 
Leo Joseph
AKA's
 
Better known as
 
Date of Birth
 
May 5, 1925
Age at Death
 
53
Place of Birth
 
Lincoln, Nebraska
Race
 
Caucasian
Gender
 
Male
Religion
 
Family Tree
 
Birth Mother
 
Birth Father
 
Siblings
 
Partner
 
Children
 
Non-Temple Relatives
 
N/A
Body Identification Number
 
Burial Location
 
Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA
Source of Death Information
 
Entry into Guyana
 
11/14/1978
Residence (US)
 
N/A
Residence (JT)
 
N/A
Occupation in U.S./Skills, Talents & Interests
 
N/A
Occupation in Jonestown (Temple Records)
 
Jonestown Roles (FBI Records)
 
Government Income
 
Discrepancies
 
Remembrances
 
“You and your efforts have NOT been forgotten! I hope the Great Spirit endows me with the same conviction of heart you had. ” - Susan

“Your actions exemplified dedication and committment to the freedom of the people. Your reward awaits you in heaven because the job was well done here on earth. Too bad others did not follow when you offered them a pathway out of bondage. ” - Anonymous

“You gave your life to protect US citizens. You are forever in our debt. ” - Casey Strain

“You were a true American Hero and leader of the people who confronted the insanity of Jim Jones directly! You could have sent a envoy but you put your own life on the line protecting your citizens. You are truely a Christ-like man (I saw NO fear in your face on that tape, just nervous concern for the people) who went in search of the lost sheep to bring them home! See you in Heaven my Brother ” - Anonymous

“Leo Joseph Ryan, Jr, I salute you sir. Your actions did not go unnoticed. Although you lost your life, you blew the cover off of Jonestown, God bless you Leo, and may you rest in eternal peace.... ” - Yolanda Hunt

“The true hero of Jonestown. In the face of terrific danger, you steadfastly refused to abandon those who looked to you for help. There has been no politician since with your level of dedication, integrity and tenacity. If there were, the world would be a better place. RIP. ” - Anonymous

“If only they were all like you, Mr Ryan. You are a credit to our elected officials and set an example for all the men and women who came after you. How rare for a politician to not only talk the talk but walk the walk. As others have stated, you are a true hero and your actions did not go unnoticed. May you RIP. ” - Anonymous

“Thank Leo Ryan for the sacrifice of your life to investigate the Jonestown group. You didn't deserve to be shot ” - Anonymous

“ god rest your Sol true hero ” - Henry Smith

“Congressman Ryan, from the time you spent undercover in Folsom California prison, and to the time of your murder in November 1978 in Jonestown. I would like to thank you for your undaunting courage to fight for human rights and human dignity. No Greater Love has another man who will give his life in the defense of others. You are an example of a true American Hero. Thank you for your efforts. R i p” - Cody Jau

“Congressman Ryan, you truly were an American hero. You volunteered to travel to Guyana to rescue the people in Jonestown who were being held against their will. You had no inkling of what horrors were to take place. God rest your soul.” - Christopher Garrett