The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Julian M. Riley (ASN: 37606165), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 31 July 1944. Private Riley, a heavy weapons machine gunner, was supporting the advance of a rifle unit when it was suddenly pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. Despite continuous enemy fire, Private Riley picked up his machine gun, vaulted over a hedge, placed his gun in action in full view of the enemy, and opened fire, destroying the enemy position and enabling the company to continue its advance. The courage, coolness, initiative, and disregard for personal safety on the part of Private Riley reflects the highest credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the military service.