The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Joseph Archer Riley (NSN: 0-99630), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Pilot of a Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against the enemy on 7 May 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea. Ensign Riley pressed home his attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition, diving his plane at an enemy aircraft carrier and releasing his 1,000-pound bomb calmly and with accuracy. He contributed materially to the high percentage of hits inflicted by his squadron and assisted in the destruction of the enemy carrier. His action contributed greatly to the success of the U.S. Naval Forces engaging the enemy in the Battle of the Coral Sea, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.