The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Merle E. Riley (ASN: 0-716879), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 776th Bombardment Squadron, 464th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 24 August 1944, Lieutenant Riley participated in a bombing mission against vital enemy installations in Czechoslovakia. During an aggressive attack by enemy fighters, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Riley administered first aid to two (2) wounded comrades. Under continued heavy enemy attacks his aircraft was severely damaged and set on fire, and the order was given to abandon the plane. Displaying outstanding courage Lieutenant Riley refused to leave wounded men and remained with the injured personnel after the rest of the crew had cleared the burning plain, and was subsequently killed when the aircraft exploded approximately 2,000 feet from the ground. By his conspicuous gallantry, and intense devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout his entire military career, Lieutenant Riley has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.