AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  HH-3E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert S. Riley for heroism while participating in aerial flight as helicopter Mechanic in North Vietnam on 6 December 1966. On that date, Sergeant Riley exhibited outstanding airmanship and courage, under extremely hazardous conditions, in the successful rescue and recovery of two pilots, one seriously injured, whose aircraft was downed over North Vietnam. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Riley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert S. Riley for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Flight Engineer of an unarmed HH-3E rescue helicopter in North Vietnam on 31 March 1967. On that date, Sergeant Riley successfully recovered a downed Air Force pilot deep in hostile territory. With great determination and superior airmanship Sergeant Riley was able to locate the exact position of the downed pilot and direct his pilot to a hover over the position. He then expertly and adroitly hoisted the survivor to safety aboard the rescue helicopter, thus saving the life of an Air Force crewmember. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Riley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert S. Riley for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Flight Engineer on an unarmed HH-3E rescue helicopter in southeast Asia on 19 March 1967. On that date, Sergeant Riley participated in a daring and determined rescue effort which led to the successful recovery of a friendly pilot downed in unfriendly territory. With unwavering calmness and courage and despite advancing hostile forces, Sergeant Riley gave precise instructions that enabled his pilot to maintain a perfect hover over the downed airman. Sergeant Riley then rapidly and skillfully hoisted the pilot to safety aboard the helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Riley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.