The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edward C. Riley, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of the collision between the U.S.S. SHAW and H.M.S. AQUITANIA on 9 October 1918, when the Shaw was cut in two and set on fire. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Riley, of the Shaw, with other officers and enlisted men, threw overboard a large quantity of 4-inch. ammunition which was on deck only a few feet from a blazing oil tank, and this while the ammunition near them was already exploding. This heroic action saved the ship from complete destruction and made it possible for her to proceed to port under her own steam in spite of the loss of her bow.