The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William P. Riley (MCSN: 1284315), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 6 – 7 October 1952. When a devastating barrage of enemy mortar fire blanketed the area while he was advancing with the forward elements of the platoon during an assault to retake an outpost, Private First Class Riley immediately grabbed several grenades and, fully aware that the objective was defended by approximately two enemy squads and a machine gun, single-handedly advanced on the position in an effort to neutralize the hostile fire. Despite the intense enemy small arms fire, he fearlessly moved forward to a position close to the enemy bunker, hurling his grenades and partially destroying the emplacement. Although painfully wounded during the action, he succeeded in killing and wounding most of the gun crew, thereby enabling his comrades to overrun and reoccupy the outpost. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Private First Class Riley served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.