This is an original large format photograph of General John Francis O’Ryan early American and WWI hero, known for leading the 27th Infantry Division later nicknamed O’Ryan’s Roughnecks. This is an early, previously unknown photograph of O’Ryan and shows him in his dress uniform, with General two-stars on his cuff. The back is marked “General John F. O’Ryan. John Francis O’Ryan was born in 1874 and was the commander of the 27th Division during World War I. He was appointed by President Wilson as Major General, National Army, August 5, 1917. By May 1918 the 27th Division was considered over 24,000 officers and men and was sent to the Western Front of WWI. Aged just 43, he was the youngest officer to command a division in the U.S. Army during World War I, as well as the only National Guard officer to command a division throughout the war. Upon arriving home from WWI O’Ryan was a founder of the American Legion. From 1922 to 1926 he was a member of the New York State Transit Commision. During World War II he served as New York State’s Civil Defense Director and advisor to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. In 1945 he was elected National Commander of the Military Order of Foreign Wars, visiting President Truman. This is a large format, boudoir card albumen photograph dating to the early 1900’s. It is signed by the photographer in the bottom right, which is illegible. Provenance: From the Jim Aplan Piedmont, South Dakota collection. The image shows some damage, a slight cut, some edge damage, but overall the image is clear. Measures 9.25” by 6.25”. U6. General O’Ryan’s military decorations were the following: Distinguished Service Medal (U.S.) Knight Comdr., Order of St. Michael and St. George Comdr., Victorian Order (Gr. Brit.) Comdr., Legion of Honor, Croix de Guerre with Palm (France) Comdr., Order of Leopold and Croix de Guerre w. Palm (Belg.) Comdr., Order of St. Maurice and Lazarua (Italy)