The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Francis J. Riley (ASN: 31200070), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 12 October 1944. During a severe battle, three machine gunners from Sergeant Riley’s section were almost completely buried in their gun emplacement when it was struck by shells from one of the heavy guns from an enemy tank. The men managed to stay alive by digging a small opening for air. Two hours later, when the enemy had been beaten back, Sergeant Riley and a comrade braved the artillery fire still falling in the area to investigate the condition of the men. Sergeant Riley immediately began digging them out. He extricated the trapped men within half an hour and assisted in their evacuation to the rear. Sergeant Riley’s courageous act reflects the highest credit on himself and the armed forces.