Mercer Island's Hero: Celebrating the Legacy of Huston 'Hu' Sears Riley

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Huston 'Hu' Sears Riley, born on May 15, 1921, in Seattle, Washington, is known for his role in American military history, highlighted by a famous photograph. This photo, taken by Robert Capa during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, shows Riley, a U.S. Army soldier, battling the waves at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The image has become a symbol of the chaos and heroism of D-Day and represents the courage of Allied forces during a critical World War II operation.

Riley enlisted in the 82nd Airborne Division in January 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. His military service took him from North Carolina to Scotland, and then to the front lines in North Africa and Sicily. His most defining moment came during the Normandy invasion, where despite being dropped into deep water and injured, he managed to reach the shore and continued to fight in key European battles, including the Battle of the Bulge.

After World War II, Riley returned to Mercer Island, led a quiet life, married, and worked as a representative for sporting goods manufacturers. His wartime efforts remained recognized by his community. In 2011, a decade after his death on October 2, 2011, the north shore cove of Mercer Island was named Riley Cove in his honor.

Riley's story reflects resilience and the human spirit's ability to overcome great challenges. His post-war contributions to his community and the honor of having Riley Cove named after him highlight the lasting impact of his service.