John Lilley (Medal of Honor)

For other people named John Lilley, see John Lilley (disambiguation).
John Lilley
Born 1826
Mifflin County, Pennsylvania
Died May 12, 1902 (aged 75–76)
Place of burial First Methodist Cemetery Lewistown, Pennsylvania
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Army
Union Army
Years of service 1864 - 1865
Rank Private
Unit Company F, 205th Pennsylvania Infantry
Battles/wars American Civil War
Awards 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.

Biography

Lilley was born in 1826 and on September 1, 1864[1] 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.[2]

He mustered out with his Company, June 2, 1865 and died May 12, 1902. He is buried in First Methodist Cemetery Lewistown, Pennsylvania[1]

Medal of Honor citation

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.[2]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 Don Morphe (February 28, 2003). "John Lilley". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
  2. 1 2 ""JOHN LILLEY" entry". Medal of Honor recipients: American Civil War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved March 13, 2008.

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.


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