John Lilley (1826 – May 12, 1902) was a United States soldier who was recognized with his nation's highest award for valor, the U.S. Medal of Honor, for his gallantry during the American Civil War.

[9][10] Transported by railroad to Fort Corcoran outside of Washington, D.C. and then to Camp Distribution, Lilley and his fellow 205th Pennsylvanians were initially assigned to picket, fatigue and other defense-related duties near City Point, Virginia.

[11] While serving with his unit in Virginia in the Third Battle of Petersburg, Lilley rushed forward, alone, as his regiment began to waver and fall back in the face of intense enemy fire; at the point of his bayonet, he then captured the flag of the Confederate States Army and the CSA color-bearer charged with protecting it.

[12][13] In a post-battle report to his superiors, B Company Captain Joseph Holmes described how that day unfolded:[14] "On the night of the 1st instant ... at eleven o'clock, the regiment was ordered to form on the color line in front of the camp, Major Morrow in command.

In the advance upon the hostile works, and in driving out the enemy and holding the line when captured, the regiment was exposed to a fearful fire of infantry and artillery, from the effect of which it suffered heavy losses.Advancing into and beyond Petersburg the next day, Lillie and his comrades made their way to Burkesville Junction, helping to repair segments of the South Side Railroad en route.

Following the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, they then proceeded on to City Point and Alexandria, where they made camp on Seminary Hill, remaining there until mustering out for the final time on June 2, 1865.

Also living with them were Wilson Dellet/Diller, an ore miner who was Maria's son from her first marriage, and John Ronson, a farm laborer who was boarding with the family.