AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James L. Riley for distinguishing himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near An Khe, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 May 1971. On that date, he flew in support of a crew of a downed American aircraft. Disregarding the intense anti-aircraft fire which had brought down the first plane, he made repeated passes over the area to locate the men and direct the rescue effort. Because of his actions, the two injured crewmen were successfully extracted by helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Riley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.