The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant George Benson Riley, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea on 24 October 1944. Lieutenant Riley pressed home his attack at low altitude, and he scored a direct torpedo hit on a Japanese battleship. This action was carried out in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire without regard for personal safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.