Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 4, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 139 (April 21, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private Charles E. Riley, Jr. (ASN: US-56140714), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Dung Dac-Ro, Korea, on 4 December 1951. A comrade had attached a full can of fuel to a tent stove and, to test its operation, lifted the cover and dropped a lighted match. A roaring explosion followed, throwing flaming oil all over the soldier, who, becoming frantic, began running around and beating futilely at the leaping flames with his hands. Private Riley, displaying excellent presence of mind, raced after the man. He threw him to the ground and, wrapping a jacket around him, smothered the flames with his own hands and body. In doing so, he received several painful burns but continued until the fire was extinguished, thus saving the soldier’s life. Private Riley’s heroism, daring initiative and selfless devotion to an endangered comrade reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.