Robert Emmett Ryan
Robert’s death was initially listed as an accidental discharge, however after further investigation the corner concluded that he was shot by another soldier.
Private Ryan was shot in the back of the head by another Private standing behind him. It is said that he took the safety off his guns and “played Rambo”. As a result, Robert dropped his gun after he was shot. The Private that shot him’s gun was improperly rodded after they were done shooting on the range. They were waiting to aim their rifles in the air and shoot one more time when Robert was killed.
It was first reported that Robert dropped his gun and the shot came from his gun because witnesses said that is what they saw. A few days after Robert was killed the family received the correct information. The coroner said and reported that Robert was shot in the back. The private that pulled the trigger stated at the time that he shot Robert, but no-one believed him. He indeed fired the bullet that killed Private Robert Ryan.
