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Capt J. Sheridan Reilly joined the National Guard in New York City, New York on 15 October 1940.

He was graduated from Iona School in New Rochelle and attended Georgetown University and the Fordham University School of Business Administration which he left to enter the service. He enlisted in the 165th (the Fighting Sixty-ninth) Infantry Regiment before Pearl Harbor and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Fort Benning, Ga., a year later. He received his captaincy in April 1943. In September 1944 he went overseas.

Capt Reilly was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. The citation stated:
"During a night attack the leading elements of the battalion were pinned to the ground by intense machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. At great risk of his life, Captain Reilly moved forward across open terrain from his position with one of the rear elements of the battalion to silence an enemy machine gun position which was pouring devastating fire from on his troops. He accomplished his objective but when only thirty yards from a second enemy machine gun position, Captain Reilly was killed by a burst of machine gun fire. His actions were an inspiration to his men in their first combat with the enemy. The heroism displayed by Captain Reilly, above and beyond the call of duty, reflects the highest credits on this officer and the armed forces of the United States."