The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Herbert Douglas Riley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Joint Staff, of the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from February 1962 to February 1964. Exercising outstanding professional competence, leadership and acumen in an assignment which embraced the vigorous prosecution of U.S. military policy, as well as involvement in its development, Vice Admiral Riley made significant contributions in the advancement and successful accomplishment of national military objectives during this period of recurrent international crises. Of particular note was his brilliant staff work in direct support of the President of the United States; the Secretary of Defense; the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the commanders of unified and specified commands during the Cuban confrontation in October 1962.