John Lilley (Medal of Honor)

John Lilley (1826 – May 12, 1902) was a soldier in the Union Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the American Civil War.

Lilley was born in 1826 and on September 1, 1864 mustered into Company F of the 205th Pennsylvania Volunteers Infantry as a Private for service in the American Civil War. While serving with his unit in Virginia at the Battle of Petersburg his regiment began to waiver and he rushed alone to capture the enemy flag. When he reached the Confederate color bearer he used his bayonet to force the opposing soldier to surrender with several enemy soldiers. He kept the prisoners in tow when they realized he was alone as his regiment withdrew.

He mustered out with his Company, June 2, 1865 and died May 12, 1902. He is buried in First Methodist Cemetery Lewistown, Pennsylvania

Rank and organization: Private, Company F, 205th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. Entered service at:------. Birth: Mifflin County, Pa. Date of issue: May 20, 1865.

Citation:

After his regiment began to waiver he rushed on alone to capture the enemy flag. He reached the works and the Confederate color bearer who, at bayonet point, he caused to surrender with several enemy soldiers. He kept his prisoners in tow when they realized he was alone as his regiment in the meantime withdrew further to the rear.