Melvin Edward Riley

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Melvin E. Riley Sr, a decorated Vietnam veteran and Special Forces officer whose dedication and valor spanned over 30 years of distinguished military service, passed away on October 9, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment, courage under fire, and mentorship to countless soldiers who followed in his footsteps.
Born in Linwood, Kansas, on June 30, 1938, LTC Riley answered the call of duty early in life, enlisting in the Navy at just 17 years old. After completing four years in the Navy and an additional four in the Air Force, he married Virginia McIntosh and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1966, he joined the Army and attended Officer Candidate School (OCS), ultimately finding his calling in the Special Operations community.
Throughout his career, LTC Riley held numerous roles within Special Forces, beginning as Executive Officer at the Special Forces Underwater Operations Diving School in Key West, Florida. He went on to command a 14-boat Patrol Boat River (PBR) unit tasked with patrolling the Dong-Nai River in Vietnam, 1st Special Operations Command Inspector General, and later culminated his career as Chief of Operations Support at a Special Missions unit outside Washington, D.C. His service was marked by exceptional tactical skill, strategic insight, and steadfast professionalism in complex and often perilous missions. His leadership reflected not only operational excellence but also a deep concern for the welfare and development of every member of his team.
Among his many honors, LTC Riley was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Special Forces Tab, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, and the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters-recognizing both his bravery in combat and his exemplary service stateside. His influence extended well beyond the battlefield, inspiring younger officers and shaping the ethos of the units he led.
Outside of his military career, LTC Riley was known for his humility, integrity, and devotion to family. He cherished time with his granddaughter and loved ones, and remained committed to giving back to the community that shaped him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Juanita Riley, and his two younger brothers, Wayne and Kenny Riley.
LTC Riley is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia M. Riley; his children, Ginna and MAJ Ed Riley; his granddaughter, Virginia, and her husband, SSG (Ret.) Matthew Clark; his sister, Sharon Gentry; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, LTC (Ret.) Joe and Ann McIntosh. They honor his memory and the extraordinary life he led in service to the United States of America.
His courage, loyalty, and spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him, leaving an enduring imprint on the Special Forces community and the nation he served so faithfully.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel in Cantonment, Florida, and at Barrancas National Cemetery, with honors befitting his rank and service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers in support of the men and women who carry forward the torch of service that LTC Riley so valiantly upheld, or to St Lukes United Methodist church, or Ellisville First Methodist church.
"De Oppresso Liber"- to liberate the oppressed.