The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph C. Riley (ASN: RA-15357504), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. Sergeant Riley’s weapons squad was laying a base of fire to permit advance of the weapons platoon near Hadong, Korea, on 27 July 1950, where stiff enemy opposition had been encountered. After is machine gun crew was eliminated, he twice crossed a stream to bring up ammunition so that he could operate the weapon himself. As the enemy action increased in intensity and threatened to bring direct fire on the platoon, Sergeant Riley moved to a highly vulnerable spot from which he could command the hostile lines and delivered such effective fire that he stopped the enemy long enough to allow the weapons platoon to displace. Sergeant Riley’s bold, valorous actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.