The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman John Phillip Riley, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Landsman Riley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.