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 James M. Riland (ASN: 3499931), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d Infantry Divison (Americal), in action at Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 10 April 1945. While his squad was protecting a number of large caliber guns, the enemy directed an attack against it. Sergeant Riland by his excellent leadership and personal courage enabled his squad to repulse the attack. In the enemy assaults which followed, seven of Sergeant Riland’s men became casualties, and he received a serious head wound, but he held his position, and alternately using a rifle and an automatic rifle, he contributed greatly to repulsing the enemy. By his display of courage and devotion to duty, although seriously wounded, Sergeant Riland was an inspiration to his squad and his success in repulsing the enemy attack saved the strategic position.