The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain James T. Riley (MCSN: 0-95179), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMH-463), in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 February 1968. Captain Riley was assigned the mission of resupplying the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Despite intense enemy fire, he maneuvered in and out of the landing zone delivering vitally needed cargo, about 8,000 pounds on each sortie. Informed of several seriously wounded casualties on the ground, Captain Riley, disregarding his own safety and the devastating mortar and artillery bombardment, volunteered to attempt the medical evacuation. Realizing that the casualties would have to be embarked at the air freight ramp, a target known to be registered by enemy artillery, he immediately directed ground personnel to prepare the injured Marines near the ramp and make all necessary preparation for their expeditious embarkation. When enemy fire subsided, he began maneuvering his aircraft into the hazardous area. Shortly after the helicopter landed and before the wounded could be placed aboard, it was taken under intense enemy mortar and rocket attack. Disregarding his own safety, he held his aircraft on the ground in a valiant effort to embark the casualties, until an enemy round damaged the aircraft. Quickly assessing the situation, he ordered the evacuation effort to discontinue and attempted to save his aircraft and crew. As he maneuvered to lift out of the landing zone, severe vibrations developed, forcing him to land. As the aircraft settled to the ground, the vibrations of the helicopter increased causing the main rotor blade to sever the cockpit from the fuselage and he was mortally injured. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Captain Riley was an inspiration to all who observed him and his actions reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.